The NHS is in a crisis. It faces breaking point. Every week, I hear news to that extent plastered across the tabloids and broadsheets, constantly reported on news channels and MPs of all parties raising their concerns with the Government. Whether it's a lack of funding in social care, shortage of nurses up north or simply, a broken system, the NHS is always presented as being on life support. All these issues, among many others, have been discussed recently, with yet another winter crisis and an ever increasing aging population. From the figures, it appears there is more of a crisis than ever before with 32% of urgent ambulance calls not responded to within 8 minutes, 9.4% of patients waiting more than 4 hours to be seen, the highest percentage for over a decade and total waiting lists increasing to 3.7 million in September 2016, up 400,000 from January 2016. These are just a sample of the many figures the damage the NHS is in. While a large number are calling for more investment, I don't believe money alone can be the solution.
It's emphasized that every NHS day could be its last. Well, troubles in the NHS aren't exactly new. Ever since the NHS began in 1948, Government after Government, Health Secretary after Health Secretary has faced immense scrutiny and criticism over the way it is run. And rightly so, in my view. Health and care have been prominent issues during election campaigns, with parties presenting a variety of views over the best way for it to be managed. Thankfully, nearly all UK political parties have embraced the idea of a public, free health service, where health insurance isn't a necessity. While no Government has ever cut spending on the NHS (even in 1948, the NHS budget was equivalent to £15 billion today), reductions in social care has caused much suffering to the elderly. It is a key part of Britain, and no Government can take decisions about it lightly. My belief is that simply throwing more and more money at a struggling system alone will not solve its problems. While money may allow for more beds, raise worker's pay and allow more Trusts to purchase high-tech equipment and machines, it won't stop the numbers of people unnecessarily attending A&E. Nor will it stop people who always miss their GP appointments, Crucially, a larger sum of money in the NHS won't prevent pharmaceutical companies, who supply vital drugs and machinery, from raising their prices to whatever they like. More money will be required and the cycle repeats. Therefore, I believe reforms are crucial, necessary and of the essence, if the NHS is to properly rival health services around the world. This reform should include structural reform and reform in how money is spent. For example, I think all NHS hospitals should have access to high tech, powerful machines and drugs that would help so many with certain conditions. However, the NHS must make sure that companies supplying these products are not ripping the NHS off. It's about getting the best value for money, while ensuring all equipment is of the best quality. The same is true for beds and other basic equipment, that is essential for a smooth hospital. My idea is not to cost cut, but ensure every penny is spent as wisely as possible. I feel it is so important that NHS staff, whatever their job, are listened to. The NHS employs over 1.5 million people nationwide, a staggering amount. Decision making cannot be a top-down structure, with those who barely visit patients and have little experience in the day to day effort of running a ward in charge of everything. From a top consultant to a bedside cleaner, everybody involved in the operation of a hospital should feel consulted when a reform is introduced. When such a large number of the staff and community would be affected, no decision should be taken without thought, care and consideration. Watching the fantastic 'Hospital' documentary on BBC2, I was inspired by how motivated and resilient all the staff were, even in hard times. That motivation must be maintained, otherwise people could just leave the profession. The idea of a paperless NHS, where everything that needs to be known about a patient can be found online, pleases me greatly. Not only for the environment, but quicker diagnoses, tests and time spent with patients will be helped by an online system. This allows old fashioned equipment, made for the 1990s, to be removed and promptly replaced by something fit for the 21st century. The computer systems, however, must be of a high standard and not occasionally crash. On a system that would be used 24/7 up and down the country, this would be difficult. During New Year's Eve, the busiest night of the year for ambulance calls, I heard the London Ambulance computer system temporarily crashed, meaning emergencies had to be hand written, leading to delays. This must not happen on a nationwide system. It would be a catastrophe. As individual citizens, we can all do our bit to help. Though nobody can prevent aging (sadly!), everybody can try to eat healthily and attempt regular exercise of any sort, to reduce the chances of self induced issues. Regarding alcohol consumption, people should know their limits and try not to go to A&E unless injuries are severe. In general, remembering the point of A&E - for accident and life threatening emergencies. Instead of calling an ambulance, calling 111 for guidance if issues aren't life threatening. I believe a pot should be visible on each ward, where people can voluntarily donate money to support their hospital. Regular text messages should be sent to those who have appointments, with the amount the appointment costs enclosed, so they don't forget, or can cancel if necessary, When I start earning and paying income tax, I wouldn't mind a small increase specifically for the NHS, provided that was with relevant reform. Now more than ever, the NHS is such a precious institution that must be fit and ready for the 21st century, so the most effective healthcare can be offered to all. The Government should listen to concerns and come up with proper solutions. That way, the NHS can be properly maintained.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
September 2022
Categories
All
|