NHS ‘faces its worst winter’
EIGHT in 10 NHS leaders fear this winter will be the worst of their career, as nurse strikes add to strain on services already stretched to breaking point.
Just under half of those surveyed were on track to meet end of year targets for treatments, while a quarter said they were not.
Staff shortages were the top concern across hospital, metal health, community and ambulance services.
One trust leader said: “I’m talking to senior clinicians and consultants and nurses who are absolutely frightened and petrified about what’s potentially to come.”
A total of 183 leaders at 121 trusts took part in the NHS Providers annual survey. Some 86 per cent were worried about their ability to meet demand over the next year.
And 94 per cent were concerned that social care was not getting enough cash. Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive at NHS Providers, said: “Alarm bells should be ringing across Whitehall. We can’t go on like this.”
Leaders also warned that strikes would cause the record backlog of 7.1 million procedures to grow. Dr Wendy Holden, adviser at Arthritis Action and a consultant rheumatologist, said: “Patients with arthritis who are waiting to have a surgical procedure such as a joint replacement have been struggling with pain and disability.
“Strike action will inevitably lead to further cancellations and delays for patients with arthritis.
“Many may already have been waiting more than a year, causing more pain, and both physical and mental health consequences.”
The survey results were released as NHS chiefs today gather in Liverpool for the NHS Providers conference.
An NHS spokesperson said: “Despite concerns about what is likely to be a very challenging winter, the NHS has already virtually eliminated two-year waits for care and waits of more than 18 months are down by 60 per cent on last September.
“The NHS has set out plans to manage additional demand, including 24/7 control rooms, falls services and recruiting more call handlers.”