Pressures on the NHS are at an all-time high. Several factors have impacted the organisation at every level for many years and the lasting impacts of the pandemic continue to stretch its resources ever thinner. Headlines have been dominated recently by strike action in various professions, but the one that’s been most unusual is the action taken by health and social care staff. Healthcare strikes on this scale are largely unprecedented in the UK and they’re symptomatic of deeper, underlying issues that relate to the overall pressures on the NHS. All this pressure can and probably will have an impact on public health in the short and long term – below we explore how this is manifesting in recent events.
Healthcare Professionals Feel Unsupported
A significant justification for the health and social care strikes has been surrounding working conditions, not just pay. This is largely due to the pressures that NHS staff are under with staffing shortages, capacity issues and dwindling resources. Any work environment where you aren’t given the support or resources you need to do your job properly is likely to be an extremely stressful one, on top of what is already a challenging line of work – and this is what NHS staff have been dealing with for years.
An alarming report covered by The Guardian stated that up to 40% of doctors and dental professionals could quit healthcare by 2028 due to mounting pressures and exhaustion. If the figure turns out to be anywhere near that reported in the article, the NHS may well become unsustainable and public health will suffer incomprehensibly.
Patients Might Not Get the Level of Care They Require
The consequence of healthcare professionals not feeling supported or valued in their profession could be a damning one for public health as the relationship between staff and patients becomes ever more strained. This runs the risk of care procedures and processes falling short of expectations, leaving the NHS liable to medical negligence claims and potentially lives lost due to all the contributing factors.
Not only that, a lack of care capacity because of bed and staff shortages means that patients are less likely to receive adequate care in a reasonable time. We’ve seen reports of A&E waiting times moving past 12 hours which not only represents the strain NHS staff are under but the impact seen on patient care in emergencies. The current situation in A&E isn’t far from what’s happening in all areas of health and social care – the severity and challenges of each care stream just differ.
What Can Be Done to Improve the Situation?
There’s obviously been a systemic failure to support and provide the NHS with what it needs to run sustainably – including (but not limited to) staff, funding and resources. Resolving staffing shortages and increasing care capacity would be a huge step to ease the pressure on individual health and social care professionals, but that’s not an easy or cheap fix and could take years to resolve.
Allowing healthcare professionals to do their jobs to the expected standard and without the pressures mounting on the system as a whole will be key to reversing the strained relationships between staff and patients, decreasing the likelihood of inadequate care in all areas of the public health system. Ultimately, this change has to come from the top and the government needs to be willing to implement strategies to ease the many concerns that are present.
Read Also
- Management Reinforcement for Healthcare Providers in a Shifting System
Healthcare is changing faster than ever. So, providers are feeling the pressure to keep up. New technology, changing patient needs, and constant rule updates make it tough for managers to stay on top. Strong leadership helps teams work better, give great care, and stay happy in their jobs. Here’s how healthcare leaders can strengthen their… Read more: Management Reinforcement for Healthcare Providers in a Shifting System - Why Effective Disinfection Remains the Foundation of Public HealthFrom hospitals and schools to transport hubs and food production sites, disinfection is central to breaking the chain of infection and protecting community health. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial surface hygiene and environmental control are in reducing the spread of harmful microorganisms. Yet, beyond emergency response, routine and validated disinfection practices remain the cornerstone… Read more: Why Effective Disinfection Remains the Foundation of Public Health
- How to Navigate Your Medical Assistant Career PathBecoming a medical assistant can feel both exciting and a little stressful. This job lets you work closely with doctors and other healthcare workers to help patients. But with so many different paths to take, it can be hard to know where to start or how to plan your career. Wouldn’t it be nice to… Read more: How to Navigate Your Medical Assistant Career Path
- Benefits of Enrolling in Botox Training CoursesMany people want to enhance their skills in the beauty field, and one way to do that is through Botox training. With the rising popularity of Botox, enrolling in training courses can set you on a path to a rewarding career. If you are considering this option, you might be curious about the benefits that… Read more: Benefits of Enrolling in Botox Training Courses
- How Pilates Certification Enhances Professional Growth in HealthcareAre you looking for a way to expand your skills and stand out in healthcare? Pilates certification can be a powerful step in your professional journey. It not only helps you understand movement and body mechanics. It also gives you tools to support patient recovery. It also improves mobility, and promotes wellness. Ready to see… Read more: How Pilates Certification Enhances Professional Growth in Healthcare
- Understanding the Legality & Challenges in the Dental Aligner IndustryThe dental aligner industry has grown quickly in the past decade. More people are choosing clear aligners instead of traditional braces because they are less noticeable and often more convenient. While this growth has created new opportunities, it has also raised legal questions and practical challenges. Patients, dentists, and companies are still learning how to… Read more: Understanding the Legality & Challenges in the Dental Aligner Industry
