Kate Breen’s Post

NHS Broken? Back door costs emerging... Have you noticed similar issues? I'm deviating from my usual business-focused posts to share my shock about the NHS. The appalling waiting times for operations, a referral service and weeks to get a doctor's appointment are just the tip of the iceberg. Recently, I've observed a shift where services that were once "free at the point of service" now come with a price tag and insane processes: - Ear syringing, a necessity for me twice a year, has transitioned from NHS to private, costing £35-£55 per session. - Needing a doctor's confirmation on a health form for a private clinic now comes at a cost of £50 and a 7-10 day wait. - CT Scan. Required and referred by GP, no option but to wait in A&E twice for 6hrs+ each time. Why refer to A&E which is already heaving and overstretched for an appointed referral? While these costs and times may seem insignificant, they can be prohibitive for those on low incomes or unemployed. The era of free healthcare services seems to be fading away, with dental care following a similar path. Have you encountered similar instances where hidden costs are emerging within our healthcare system? Let's start a conversation about these concerning developments. #NHS #Healthcare #HiddenCosts

Australia’s healthcare system faces critical challenges as high burnout rates among medical professionals raise concerns about patient care and system sustainability. Leaders like Prof. John Wilson emphasize the need for urgent systemic reforms to address these issues. Learn more about the ongoing situation and its implications for healthcare workers and patients alike. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gDM5mdEk #HealthcareCrisis #Burnout #MentalHealth #HealthcareReform #AustralianHealthcare

⛵ Just as the sea never ceases to crash against the shore here on the south coast of England, so too seems the onslaught of news regarding the strain on our invaluable NHS. It's been reported that NHS hospitals and GP surgeries are shelling out over £10bn a year on temporary frontline workers, with the cost in England itself escalating by 16% in the span of just one year. 🏭 This echoes an issue I often see in my work in the Pharmaceutical industry. Teams lacking the necessary skills and cohesive structure to drive desired results. The solution? Investment in permanent education, training, and development of your team. 👩🏭 Now, you might wonder, what does my personal journey with food intolerances have to do with the NHS staffing crisis? The link here is the importance of individual health choices and their potential impact on overall public health. 👩🎓 Just as I had to educate myself about my intolerances, learn what to avoid, and find alternatives; similarly, our healthcare system needs widespread investment in the education and training of its staff. Only then can we hope to fill the 40,000 nursing vacancies in England, alleviate the strain on temporary workers, and improve the quality of care. 🤸♀️ Furthermore, individual health choices, such as a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices, can significantly reduce the strain on the healthcare system by preventing chronic diseases. 🌏 Imagine, for a moment, an England where the people are so health-conscious and well-educated about their individual health needs that our NHS isn't strained. A utopia, perhaps. But also a challenge and an opportunity for us all. 🕺 Like the rhythm of a good salsa dance, it takes various elements to harmonize, to create a coherent and vibrant health system. We're all part of the dance. Let's step up and make sure we're all moving in the right direction. #NHS #Healthcare #Training #Development #HealthyChoices

Not to get too political on a Monday morning but... I've not decided who to vote for and a lot of it will come down to the party pledges on the NHS Here's what I've read so far ahead of the manifestos this week: 🔴 Labour: 40,000 more evening and weekend appointments 700,000 more dental appointments 8,500 additional mental health staff 🔵 Conservatives: 100 new GP surgeries 40 new hospitals An increase of nearly 1 million NHS staff over the next 15 years 🟠 Liberal Democrats: Recruit 8,000 GPs Boost cancer survival rates Introduce free personal care for the elderly and disabled These are all great goals, but they all hinge on the NHS's ability to recruit thousands of professionals, which is a significant challenge. The big focus is on how the parties will fund their claims but I'd really like to hear the action plans behind them. Whichever party enters Number 10, should consider all of the below to increase NHS staffing levels: 1. Reduce barriers to international healthcare workers 2. Free university places for healthcare workers 3. Increased pay for healthcare workers 4. Robust and thorough training and support plans for new healthcare workers 5. Reduced taxes for healthcare professionals Without addressing these fundamental issues, our healthcare system will continue to struggle. It's time for all parties to acknowledge the reality and work towards sustainable, practical solutions for our NHS. #Healthcare #NHS #UKPolitics #HealthcareRecruitment #FutureOfHealthcare

https://lnkd.in/gG3TbPP5 Congress, not CMS, decides to cut physician compensation. Overworked doctors quitting. Poor governmental planning for training and supporting healthcare systems. Career politicians politicking our Nation into third world status. There are major changes needed to how Congressional members are selected and campaign finance.

Hi, I’m SA Health, and I’m an Alcoholic: The Unacknowledged Crisis in Emergency Departments As medical professionals, and I’m referring to all doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, we value honesty and transparency in addressing health challenges. Today, it’s crucial to discuss a persistent issue: ED overcrowding within SA Health’s system which leads to ramping as a symptom of a sick system. Acknowledging the problem is the first step towards meaningful solutions. For years, we’ve witnessed an alarming trend in our emergency departments - relentless overcrowding. The response from SA Health has been a seemingly proactive approach of increasing bed capacity. However, this strategy addresses the symptom, not the cause. The hard truth is that adding beds won’t solve the core issues leading to overcrowding. Numerous studies show it doesn’t work and we can’t staff our current bed load, let alone hundreds more. It’s akin to offering a band-aid for a deeper wound. By focusing on the superficial solution of extra beds, SA Health may be missing the forest for the trees. As doctors, we are trained to look beyond surface-level symptoms to diagnose and treat the root cause of an ailment. The same principle should apply to our healthcare system. SA Health needs to admit there’s a serious problem that goes beyond mere capacity issues. This might involve recognizing systemic inefficiencies, resource mismanagement, or deeper operational challenges. Why is this acknowledgment crucial? Because as medical professionals, we are collaborators in healthcare delivery. We are more inclined to adapt, innovate, and support solutions that address genuine problems. If SA Health continues to assert that the situation is ‘under control’ without acknowledging the underlying issues, it undermines our professional integrity and motivation to assist. We need a candid, transparent dialogue about the realities facing our emergency departments. It’s time for SA Health to admit the depth of the problem and seek collaborative, innovative solutions. Only by facing the truth can we begin to make real progress in alleviating ED overcrowding and improving patient care. #ramping #health #crisismanagement #hospitalmanagement

Addressing the Silent Struggle: A Call to Action for Doctor Wellbeing The path of a medical professional is fraught with challenges, and it's alarming that 50% of doctors find it difficult to seek the help they need. This ongoing struggle isn't just about facing tough days at work; it's about the sustainability of our health and careers. When doctors are pushed to their limits, the impact goes far beyond individual well-being. It often results in reduced income, the necessity for extended leaves, and a complex journey back to health, involving many stakeholders. Continuing down this path without change isn't just risky; it's a crisis waiting to happen. Claire, an esteemed colleague and a dedicated NHS doctor with 27 years under her belt, has seen it all - the triumphs, the challenges, and the nuanced realities of our profession. Her commitment to helping fellow doctors prioritize their health and rejuvenate their careers is not just commendable but essential in these trying times. For those feeling overwhelmed, remember that reaching out is a sign of strength. If you're in need of support, guidance, or a listening ear from someone who's been there, don't hesitate to connect with some one like Claire with invaluable insight and experience. Together, we can create a healthier, more balanced professional environment. It's time we take a stand for our well-being and that of our colleagues. #Medicine #Doctors #NHS #HealthcareWellbeing #SupportForDoctors

Thank you to our elected officials: Susan (Ellis) Wild, Jen Kiggans Buddy Carter and Debbie Dingell who helped pass a bill and funding to reduce worker burnout. CDC reported "Burnout doesn’t discriminate—it exists across every hospital department and job title. Even before the pandemic, the National Academy of Medicine found that burnout had reached “crisis levels” among U.S. healthcare workers, with between 35% to 45% of nurses and physicians and 40% to 60% of medical students reporting signs of burnout." More needs to be done to protect our frontline workers from mental and physical burnout and risks. That's why we at Egg Medical are working to find funding to give lifesaving and back saving solutions to reduce scatter radiation. More needs to be done. The cost of doing nothing is to high! #scattermatters https://lnkd.in/evdBJu8r

Losing a trusted physician can deeply unsettle one's faith in the healthcare system. It's akin to losing a safety net, leaving many feelings adrift, unsure of where to seek care. The quest for a dependable doctor is becoming increasingly challenging for people everywhere. The pandemic has exacerbated a shortage of healthcare workers, straining clinics and hospitals as they struggle to meet demand. This scarcity affects individuals across urban centers and rural communities alike. Community health centers, vital for those without insurance or with limited resources, are also feeling the pressure. When there's a shortfall of physicians and nurses, everyone bears the consequences. It's not solely about the professionals; the support staff are equally crucial in keeping operations smooth. When individuals encounter barriers to accessing essential care, it undermines trust in the healthcare system. This pervasive issue demands attention before it escalates further. #beinoventive

Big Changes in the NHS! 🌟 The NHS is undergoing some significant updates that are set to improve patient care across the UK. One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of new digital health platforms aimed at streamlining patient records and making it easier for healthcare professionals to access vital information. This means faster diagnoses and more personalized care for patients. Another major update is the expansion of the NHS workforce. With the ongoing recruitment drive, thousands of new nurses, GPs, and allied health professionals are joining the ranks. This is fantastic news for both patients and existing staff, as it will help to reduce waiting times and improve the overall quality of care. At SHR Group, we're proud to be playing a part in this by connecting talented healthcare professionals with the organizations that need them most. Lastly, the NHS is focusing on mental health services more than ever before. With increased funding and resources, there are now more support options available for those struggling with mental health issues. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that mental health is given the same priority as physical health. #NHS #Healthcare #PatientCare