Summary
The NHS England “Winter Health Check” provides the latest statistics on A&E / emergency admissions, winter pressures, influenza vaccinations and NHS 111 performance for week ending January 2015.
Reference
NHS England’s winter health check. London: NHS England, January 23rd 2015.
A&E waiting times in England have improved to their best level since November 2014, but targets are still being missed.
Reference
Triggle, N. (2015). A&E waiting times in England improve. London: BBC Health News, January 23rd 2015.
Meanwhile, hospital finances are in trouble. Over 60% of trusts now rely on financial support (bailouts) from the Department of Health. Some foundation trusts plan to draw down on reserves, while prioritising patient safety and extra nurse recruitment.
Reference
Appleby, J. Thompson, J. [and] Jabbal, J. (2015). How is the NHS performing? January 2015 Quarterly Monitoring Report. London: The King’s Fund, January 22nd 2015.
Resilient Public Satisfaction with NHS (Despite Recognised Problems)
Public support for the NHS has actually shown signs of rising, in the face of widely reported pressures:
Reference
Pym, H. (2015). How much do we love the NHS? London: BBC Health News, January 29th 2015.
Reference
Gallagher, J. (2015). NHS satisfaction ‘risen significantly’. London: BBC Health News, January 29th 2015.