A report from the think-tank Nuffield Trust has found that longterm under-investment in the NHS will hamper its ability to tackle the backlog of tests and required treatments that built up during the Covid-19 pandemic. The organisation’s study of 31 countries found patients in the UK will face long waits for care and the rationing of treatment because the health service has so few staff and beds.
The research found that the UK is near the bottom of the league table for health resources – staff, equipment and buildings – compared to a list of comparable countries. The report noted that in particular a shortage of staff will lead to patients facing long delays for care.
Full report from The Nuffield Trust, 24 July 2020