Is the NHS in a Crisis?
- Jonathan Forero
- May 29, 2023
- 4 min read
To be perfectly blunt - yes, the NHS is in crisis.
The crisis facing the NHS can be attributed to several factors including underfunding, an aging population, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. These factors have combined to create a perfect storm that has put a significant strain on the NHS’s resources and has resulted in longer waiting times, fewer available treatments, and a decline in the quality of care.
This blog will address the reality of the crisis but it will also go down a lesser taken route by giving focus on the positives of working within the NHS. Our biggest problem is understaffing so this is YOUR invitation to come and make a difference to help us to save our brilliant healthcare system.
What is the Crisis in the UK NHS?
I have recently conducted a small, informal interview with a medical professional working for the NHS; their identity must remain anonymous to ensure confidentiality.
What are the biggest challenges you face as an NHS healthcare professional?
The current working environment across the NHS both within acute services and mental health services is very stressful. For many reasons, high demand for services where there isn’t the provision to meet this, an admin-heavy workload meaning less time dealing with actual patients, and a fast-paced job where there are many outcomes and targets to reach. The staff shortage is a real challenge; I see colleagues in other teams where there are only 2 practitioners covering a crisis team or just a couple of care coordinators covering a community mental health team.
The problems within the NHS I feel have always generally been overcome because of the passion and goodwill of the staff working within services. Dr’s, Nurses, HCA, Porters, and admin staff to name a few, in general, will all go above and beyond because they want to make sure both colleagues and patients are able to gain the right support.
How has the NHS crisis affected the care patients receive?
Patients within mental health services are faced with long waiting times for assessment and treatment. There is at times an 8-week wait just for an assessment and at least an 8-month wait for treatment, this is for adults, and for children, I believe waiting times are equally as bad. Where there are long waits for treatment we see a rise in people accessing emergency services which then puts added pressure on ambulance and A&E services. (RC PSYCH Hidden waits force more than three quarters of mental health patients to seek help from emergency services Oct 2022).
Then when they do receive treatment, even if from the most caring and dedicated practitioner, that practitioner will be spread thin, will be exhausted, and stressed, you have to question the quality of treatment that is received.
There is still a mass of extremely brilliant work within the NHS, the public generally values the NHS and is grateful for the treatment they receive.
BUT, every cloud has a silver lining…
Is NHS England good to work for?
Overall, 70% of employees would recommend working at NHS England to a friend. This is based on 1,904 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. How do job seekers rate their interview experience at NHS England? 76% of job seekers rate their interview experience at NHS England as positive.
Modern facilities and technology - The NHS is known for having some of the highest specification technology and digital systems in order to treat their patients in the most efficient way.
Good pay - Salaries are competitive and will increase in congruence with your experience. The British Medical Association (BMA) have published that the minimum starting salary for a junior doctor is currently £28,243 per annum. A specialist grade doctor will earn a basic salary of £80,693 to £91,584. A consultant will earn between £88,364 and £91,584.
Job security - There is currently a high demand for doctors, with that demand expected to grow, meaning that you are almost guaranteed a secure job in the UK.
Opportunities for career development - The NHS provides extensive training and career development for doctors at all stages of their careers. This includes access to professional development courses and on-the-job training, and there are also opportunities for doctors to specialize in their area of interest.
Benefits: There are other lifestyle benefits such as paid vacation time, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and pension schemes.
Work-life balance - The UK has strict working hour regulations. You cannot be forced to work over 48 hours a week over a standard reference period of 17 weeks. Hours are normally averaged over this reference period by taking actual hours worked divided by the number of weeks. You are also entitled to a resting period of 11 consecutive hours in a 24-hour working period. The NHS values work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements to help doctors manage their work and personal lives. This can include part-time work, job sharing, and remote working.
Sense of purpose - Doctors working in the NHS often feel a strong sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing that they are making a positive difference in people’s lives. This is especially true working during a crisis. There is a bond to be felt between patients and staff as they share a mutual understanding of the stress the NHS is under, generating a special kind of appreciation.
Conclusion:
Whilst there are obvious issues working for the NHS, there are also brilliant benefits to be felt too. The UK is crying out for more dedicated, caring, and hardworking people who may want to be a part of this team. They are on a continuous mission to better the nation and bring medical care to the masses, regardless of their financial situation. Does this sound like you? Then I suggest you book a flight…we will be waiting on the other side to welcome you with open arms!
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