It isn't your fault

Diane has suffered a cardiac arrest and has been waiting close to 10 minutes for an ambulance. Tom had a stroke and has been waiting close to an hour. Sally has fallen and been lying on the floor for 4 hours after calling 999. Laura and Paul have been supporting June in their ambulance outside hospital for their entire shift while waiting to admit her to the emergency department, unable to respond to any other calls. Belinda has been on a trolly in the corridor of the emergency department for 2 hours while she awaits a bed. Meanwhile, Phillip remains in hospital despite being well enough to leave because of a lack of local social care.

Stories like these have become increasingly prevalent this year. The health service that has long been a point of national pride is letting down both its patients and its staff. While healthcare staff are doing everything they can for their patients, they are working within a system on the verge of collapse.