Q&A: Why is the NHS under the most intense pressure in decades?

We look at the key crises facing the NHS and the government’s proposed solutions to the increased strains on staff, beds and budgets

The NHS is facing the most intense strain on resources in decades as a result of flu, bad weather and an increase in patients suffering from breathing problems. Here we examine some of the key questions and discuss the government’s proposed solutions.

Q: What are the financial pressures on the NHS that have built up over the last decade?

Related: A&E doctor sorry for 'third world conditions' as NHS winter crisis bites

We will be monitoring the situation in hospitals over the next few months and want to hear your experiences of the NHS this winter. We are keen to hear from healthcare professionals as well as patients about the situation. Have operations been cancelled? Has pressure led to certain wards being closed? How are staff coping? Help us document what is going on across the UK.

Related: 16,900 people in a week kept in NHS ambulances waiting for hospital care

Continue reading... January 04, 2018 at 11:32PM