Following warnings earlier this month by the NHS that it is facing an alarming bed shortage this winter, the government has just announced additional funding for hospitals to help their A&E departments to cope over the coming winter. They currently fear a worse crisis than last winter when it was believed that over 60,000 people nationwide were left waiting for over 4 hours in A&E in January alone. Despite attempts to free up beds, The Guardian reported last week that patients who are fit to be discharged are still being retained in hospital due to a social care failure meaning that they have nowhere to go.
Shortages of nursing staff will only add to the problem. With 40,000 nursing vacancies nationwide, patient care will inevitably come under pressure. Last week saw thousands of nurses protesting outside parliament over poor pay. Although the government has just announced a lifting of the public sector pay cap, whether this will be enough to tempt more people into the nursing profession or to prevent others from leaving it remains to be seen.
GPs likewise are threatening to leave the profession with GP surgeries closing, adding to pressures on A&E.
The Times has also today revealed that anxiety over the ability of the NHS to cope this winter has been heightened by the news that a severe flu outbreak maybe heading our way. Reportedly, Australia has experienced twice its usual rate of flu victims over the last few months, raising concerns that the pattern may be repeated in the UK this coming winter.
Substandard Medical Care
If you have suffered from negligent medical care, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Share Article With:
|
|
|
|
|
|
