In a new research report published by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) it is claimed that NHS acute hospital care is “on the brink of collapse”. The hard-hitting report, ‘Hospitals on the edge? The time for action’, states that there are a third fewer general and acute beds now than there were 25 years ago.
The report highlights that in the last decade alone there has been a 37% increase in emergency admissions, with nearly two thirds (65%) of people being admitted to hospital over 65 years old – an increasing number are frail or have a diagnosis of dementia. For those with these multiple, complex needs, the report claims that hospital buildings, services and staff are not equipped to deal with them. The body responsible for the report, the NCP, is calling for better promotion of patient-centred care, the redesign of services to better meet patients’ needs, access to expert services seven days a week and improvements to primary care with increased out of hours GP services. http://healthcareinsuranceni.com/ “But it is true that the NHS needs fundamental reform to cope with the challenges of the future. “To truly provide dignity in care for older people, we need to see even more care out of hospitals. That’s why we are modernising the NHS and putting the people who best understand patient’s needs, doctors and nurses, in charge.”
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) plays a leading role in the delivery of high-quality patient care by setting standards of medical practice and promoting clinical excellence. We provide physicians in the United Kingdom and overseas with education, training and support throughout their careers. As an independent body representing over 27,500 fellows and members worldwide, we advise and work with government, the public, patients and other professions to improve health and healthcare.