Reality of NHS pressures “more intolerable and unbearable” than envisaged – SAM president

In response to questions about the factors behind the current situation in urgent and emergency care following statements made by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson and the health secretary (03 January), Dr Tim Cooksley, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “Whilst the Government was “up front” that the NHS was heading towards a winter of “unprecedented challenge”, the reality has been more intolerable and unbearable for staff and patients than envisaged. 

“Whilst the “twindemic” of flu and COVID19 are contributors, the fundamental problem remains a significant shortage of workforce leading to woefully inadequate inpatient bed and social care capacity. Current levels of staff burn out and poor morale markedly exacerbate this issue.

“The shocking NHS acute care situation does need emergency action. There needs to be a greater recognition and acceptance of the current situation by political leaders. This requires a four nation approach. 

“Clear and regular communication, an urgent workforce plan and engendering a belief in patients and staff that the situation can improve are essential in the short term. 

“Today’s opinion piece in the BMJ by the leaders of the RCP, RCEM, RCP, RCPsych and Society for Acute Medicine (SAM) not only outlines some of the key issues and approaches to resolving the crisis but also reflects the unity of expert opinion that this is a crisis that needs urgent action from our political leaders.”