‘Crisis’, some may argue, is a frequently overused term. For the NHS, however, the recent numbers seem to confirm what many fear. Here the author discusses the issues and some solutions.
Looking back over my career, I think one of the very hardest things that I have ever had to do was tell the parents of a teenage motorcyclist, brought in seriously injured to Accident and Emergency, that we were unable to save him from the catastrophic bleeding resulting from his shattered liver and spleen. Breaking bad news goes with the territory of being a doctor, yet we seldom stop and think how best it can and should be done.
As we gradually emerge from the COVID‐19 pandemic, morale among healthcare staff is sagging as the extent of the clinical backlog becomes clear. This is resulting in a workforce crisis as many clinicians elect to reduce their sessions, retire early or leave to work elsewhere. To rectify this we need to improve pay and conditions and to radically change working practices. One approach to the problem is to deploy more clinician‐leaders. Their collaborative leadership skills could bolster morale and enhance the quality and safety of care as well as accelerate the adoption of much needed innovative healthcare technology.
Life as a clinician has never been more challenging. Developing and maintaining good habits can be an effective tool not only to sustain a career but also to enhance one's professional skill and application to the benefit of all.
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