The RCP has responded to the latest monthly NHS performance data release on Thursday 14 July 2022.
Commenting on the latest monthly NHS performance data, Sir Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:
“Today’s data, whilst showing some improvements for longest waiters, is really worrying as waiting lists continue to rise inexorably and emergency care services struggle to cope with the demands of the current time. Combined with the latest GP patient survey data it is clear the NHS is in a perilous position.
“Lack of beds explains some of this collapse, but it is lack of workforce both in health and social care which is the main cause. There is only so much that staff working in under-resourced teams can do when met with rising demand for services. What we’re all crying out for is more staff.
"The lack of a clear plan for the NHS and social care in the plans laid out by those aspiring to be our Prime Minister really concerns me. This isn't a problem that is going to go away without a clear workforce strategy.
“The NHS workforce strategy commissioned by the government earlier this year is sorely needed. We strongly urge that it is published by the end of this year as planned. Investing in the NHS workforce will not only improve life-saving care for patients, but it will also help support our economy. Findings from the Office for National Statistics show that health was the biggest driver for the recent improvement in GDP.
“The reasons behind the huge and growing rise in demand for care are many and varied, but preventing ill health is a key part of reducing demand over the long-term. Investing in reducing health inequalities will reduce avoidable illness and the need for costly intervention. We hope the next prime minister will heed the calls of over 200 organisations in the Inequalities in Health Alliance for a cross-government strategy to reduce health inequalities.”
