In recent years, the work of physicians has become increasingly challenging, with an overstretched health and care system leading to pressure on hospitals.
We know that our population is getting older and that our expectations of the health service have also increased. This places an ever increasing demand on health services, and can mean that patients do not get the care that they need and deserve. To meet these challenges and develop an NHS fit for the future, we must work together. Too often the voice of physicians is missing from the debate on NHS pressures: politicians need to hear the physicians’ story.
We surveyed the RCP’s members and fellows to gather their views on the state of the NHS. Results included:
- 85% of physicians believe that current health service funding is not sufficient to meet demand
- 91% of physicians report that there workloads have increased over the last 5 years.
- 83% felt that efficiency savings have had an impact on staff to patient ratios.
- Physicians are already delivering a 7 day service with 67% reporting that they work across 7 days.
This report sets out the challenges facing the NHS and the RCP’s priorities for politicians to improve healthcare for all.