Here we go again... 2023 is off to a flyer. Critical incidents declared, the NHS creaking, more strike action looming.
No one expected problems to magically disappear just because it’s January 1. But we can’t put up with another year like the last.
The NHS is struggling. It shouldn’t be. With investment, and fair pay and conditions for its workers, we could end the crisis.
As Royal College of Nursing general secretary Pat Cullen says, people will “no longer tolerate a financial knife edge at home and a raw deal at work”.
But still PM Rishi Sunak and his government won’t listen.
And the horror stories pouring in from all over the country have done little to change their minds.
This week, 10 trusts have declared critical incidents.
That means in 10 areas of the country medics feel they can no longer provide safe care.
Vital signs
Medics tell of patients left in corridors for hours, some left on floors, and critically-ill patients monitoring their own vital signs.
Dr Rob Galloway, an A&E doctor of more than 20 years, said he had been close to tears.
He was apologising to patients for the care at his hospital and said: “I hope patients know the fault is with politicians, not staff.”
We do, Dr Galloway. We know the root of this problem.
Twelve years of Conservative government, presiding over the axing of 11,000 acute care beds.
It’s clear this bunch are not interested in a universal health service, they want to take it apart. They can’t be allowed to succeed.
This July the NHS turns 75.
It treats over a million people a day – it has touched all our lives.
Stats show 94% of people believe in the NHS being free, and care available to everyone. And we still love it, value it.
We must fight for it.
