This year – based on CQC’s inspection activity, information received from the public and those who deliver care alongside other evidence – the assessment is that the health and care system is “gridlocked and unable to operate effectively”.
The report found:
- The health and social care workforce is struggling to meet ever-growing demands
- In 2021/22, we have continued to see increases in demand for mental health services for children and young people, particularly eating disorder services
- The number of children and young people waiting for routine treatment between January and March 2022 had increased by 21% compared to the same period in the previous year. Two-thirds (66%) of these 1,697 under-18s had been waiting longer than the 4-week target
In response to the report, Dr Helen Stewart, RCPCH Officer for Health Improvement said:
This year’s annual assessment of health and social care services in England highlights concerns which we’ve heard from professionals time and time again. An increased and ever-growing level of demand, countered with limited resources and an incomplete workforce. While the dedication of the workforce remains high, morale is understandably low. Health and care staff want to provide good, safe care but are struggling to do so in the current system.
Mental health services for children and young people are under considerable pressure, with many not being able to access services they so desperately need. Staff are doing their best, but the demand is too high. We now run the risk of having a generation of children and young people not getting the mental health care they need, leading to further issues down the line into adulthood.
The report also reiterates our own concerns about maternity services in England and comes on the heels of the harrowing Kirkup review. We echo the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) view that action is needed to ensure all women, from every background, and every part of the country, have access to safe, effective and personalised maternity care for themselves and their babies. As a Royal College, we stand ready to work with others to discuss how we can help ensure maternity and neonatal care can be improved across the system.
The CQC report explicitly states that it saw many examples of good and exemplary care. In most cases when patients are able to access services, they are reassured by the quality of care they received. This is such a testament to our workforce and their unyielding commitment to the communities and patients that they serve, even in difficult circumstances.
At a basic level, one crucial step for the NHS is a fully evidenced and funded workforce plan. On Thursday the Prime Minister resigned, and we are now faced with another leadership election. A crucial step for the new leader and their health and care team is to bring forward a long called for and long-awaited workforce plan.