27.01.12
Demand and supply
Demand is growing on the NHS, as statistics show more people go to A&E each year. Additionally, more of these patients are having to wait longer and longer.
This demonstrates once more the need for change within the NHS, as demand is exceeding supply too quickly for the health service to keep up.
Some have blamed more complicated appointment systems at some GP practices for some of the shift, as too many people now attend A&E as a default option – despite other potential routes, such as NHS walk-in centres and NHS Direct / NHS 111.
Changing targets can present longer waiting times as acceptable or not, but the poor performance will remain the same, especially for the people it affects.
Is this something the reforms will help to fix? Or will the changes just provide more work for staff, leading to distractions from shortening these waiting times?
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]