There are several factors as to why the NHS is in crisis, these include, an ageing population. There are one million more people over the age of 65 than five years ago. This has caused more demand for medical care. Cuts to budgets for social care. Though the NHS budget has been protected, social services for home help, and other care has fallen by 11% in five years, causing record levels of bed blocking People with on medical needs end up being...
There are several factors as to why the NHS is in crisis, these include, an ageing population. There are one million more people over the age of 65 than five years ago. This has caused more demand for medical care. Cuts to budgets for social care. Though the NHS budget has been protected, social services for home help, and other care has fallen by 11% in five years, causing record levels of bed blocking People with on medical needs end up being stuck in hospitals as they do not have support at home. The number of nurses and doctors has increased over the past decade, but this has not kept up with the rise in demand. Meanwhile, 2016 saw record numbers of GP practices close, displacing patients on to A&E departments as they seek medical advice.
Lifestyle is another factor affecting the NHS. Too much alcohol intake, smoking, a poor diet with not enough fruit and vegetables and lack of exercise are all major reasons for becoming unwell and needing to rely on our health care services. Growing numbers of obesity in our society show that the problem is set to stay. The NHS is taking measures to reduce the crisis they are facing by planning a major recruitment drive and putting measures like putting a cap on agency nurses. Nurses are leaving the NHS and joining agencies all in the name of better pay. Agency nurses cost the NHS three times more than the NHS employed a nurse.
