Double Burden
The pressures of having to manage acute COVID-19-related impacts on the health system and the existing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases or long-term conditions mean a post-pandemic healthcare crisis is likely to be considerable.
1 in 3 adults in the UK have a long term condition which accounts for half of GP appointments, 70% of inpatient bed days and 70% of the acute care budget.
2.7% of the population are estimated to have long COVID which will be a major burden on services and an enduring situation as we live with COVID reinfections.
Many significant pressures ahead
The decisions on priorities post-2022 must take explicit account of the challenges and opportunities facing the whole health and care system.
More investment is needed in primary and social care which will enhance prevention, reduce demand and reduce inequalities in access to services.
Waiting List backlog
Whilst demand continues to outstrip the healthcare capacity we have, the size of our waiting list will continue to grow by as much as 13,000 each year. And in 1 years’ time, we may have the equivalent of 4 years’ worth of activity on the waiting list.
Workforce growth
The 1% workforce growth in national plans over the next 5 years will be insufficient to keep up with demand for care.
