14.09.12
Counting beds
The new RCP report, Hospitals on the Edge, has been criticised by the DH for suggesting that the NHS cannot cope with the demand for acute care.
Of course the Government is going to attempt to alleviate concerns by highlighting only the positive aspects of the NHS and focusing on how the move to greater community care will bring more relief to hospitals.
And focusing only on the challenges that acute care faces could only serve to depress morale and induce panic.
But the issues must be recognised for what they are; and many health professionals agree that the acute sector is in need of a fresh approach.
Highlighting the challenges ahead allows the health service to respond appropriately and improve services; hospitals will only be on the edge if we fail to act.
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