London worst hit by NHS problems
London is bearing the brunt of shortages in the NHS according to a new report from the King’s Fund.
It concludes that patients are getting a ‘raw deal’ as staff shortages in the capital run at twice the national average.
The King’s Fund revealed that vacancy rates for nurses, midwives and health visitors are at 5.6 per cent in the capital, compared to the national average of 2.5 per cent. GP vacancy rates in the city are at seven per cent.
The fund says that while temporary staff have been hired to fill in gaps, remaining staff are at severe risk of burnout by taking on extra patients and working longer hours.
“This is not about statistics,” said the charity’s chief executive, Niall Dickson. “It’s about Londoners receiving a raw deal.
“We are relying too heavily on temporary staff to plug permanent vacancies. This is simply unacceptable, as it has an impact on NHS staff morale and a potential knock-on effect for London’s patients.”
The charity has now called on NHS trusts and London councils to work together to retain staff, by providing affordable housing, childcare and transport.
Co-author Ruth Hutt says that the good news is that universities around London are training more local students, meaning that the capital is improving its ability to “grow its own nurses”.
