The country’s leading medical journal, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) this week (29th April) warned that the NHS is ‘stretched close to breaking point’ with public safety at risk.
In an open letter, the BMJ editor-in-chief, Dr Fiona Godlee, and staff described the next five years as the ‘most challenging’ England’s health service has ever faced.
The authors wrote that the NHS is ‘still reeling’ from ‘costly and distracting’ reforms of former Tory health secretary Andrew Lansley, as it must cope with the growing demands of an ageing population.
They added that ‘extreme cuts to social care have exacerbated the pressures’ and warned that public safety is at risk, with 13 NHS trusts currently in special measures due to care quality concerns.
Fiona Tinsley, Medical Negligence Solicitor at Clear Law, said: “This news is extremely concerning and highlights patient safety as a current risk of a ‘stretched’ NHS.
“We have known for some time that NHS staff are being faced with the rising demands of an aging population and if not dealt with quickly, these problems are going to get worse.
“The warnings issued by the BMJ must be taken on board with action taken sooner rather than later to ensure patient safety.”