The devastating impacts of NHS underfunding
For years politicians have mistreated the NHS. Since long before COVID they’ve starved it of funding. Neglected the hard working doctors and nurses who care for us. Put the interests of big corporations before patients. And during the pandemic - the NHS has come close to collapse.
Right now, as a result of these attacks on our health service, we are seeing soaring waiting list times and major delays in treatment which are having a deeply damaging impact on thousands of NHS patients across the country.
We asked our supporters to share stories of how they’ve been impacted - below is just a small selection of testimonials that we have had in. This is just a snapshot of the dire situation for many patients right now.
The government is driving the NHS into the ground, and using this to justify an increasing role for private companies. We know that this is not the answer - which is why we're campaigning to stop the NHS Corporate Takeover Bill and instead win an NHS New Deal.
“My second infusion of ‘Ocrevus’, which is a breakthrough treatment for people, like me, who have Multiple Sclerosis, was delayed by 13 months due to COVID and its effects on the nation.” - Joe
“I’ve got an ovarian cyst and have been waiting since last year to have it removed. We know this can turn into cancer so it needs to happen soon.” - June
“I have been in chronic pain for two years now, repeatedly sent to physiotherapy with no relief. It has taken 18 months to finally get to see a consultant who asks for tests to be done, rightly so, but the waiting time for some of these tests can be months followed by months waiting to see the consultant only to be referred for further tests. I am selling my house and moving to a cheaper area to free up funds for a hip replacement. At the moment I'm not even on the list until tests are completed even though my consultant is of the opinion that I need a replacement. At 73 and widowed I'm having to move away from family nearby just to provide the funds I need.” - Christine
“My husband was due to have an operation on his aortic aneurysms in March 2019, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. In June he went for a pre-op assessment for the same operation. However, it was found that he had developed dementia due to the reduced blood flow caused by the aneurysms. One of the aneurysms is near the kidney and therefore it was also decided that if he had the operation he would need dialysis for life and that he would not be able to cope with that. Therefore there was no treatment to be offered; he just had to wait for the inevitable to happen. I feel that if he had had the operation when it was first intended, he could have had a reasonable quality of life and would have avoided the problems he now faces.” - Maureen
“I waited weeks for a scan to diagnose gallstones, and I am now awaiting an appointment for the hospital and an operation to remove my gallbladder. I am worried that, at the age of 74, I may soon be classed as too old for an operation and will have to suffer for the rest of my life.” - Sandra
“I am waiting for an operation for a prolapse repair. I am suffering with bladder and kidney problems and in pain continually. I am on the waiting list and my surgeon is excellent, but he can’t give me a fixed date due to COVID and previous waiting list issues.” - Rosalie
“I had spinal surgery just before the first lockdown. I had waited initially 6 months from referral to see a consultant. I had 4 pre op assessments in total and waited over 3 years for surgery. During this time my condition worsened resulting in more invasive surgery, longer operating time and longer in-patient stay.” - Joan
“I have had big problems in obtaining even a referral to the cardiac surgeons I need - it is now over three months since I was told that I would be referred for cardiac surgery. How long before "the adequate window" closes? I am a parent carer, so the stakes are high, not only for me - but also for our very frail and vulnerable daughter.” - Gilian
“I have Lynch Syndrome, a genetic condition that predisposes me to several fast growing cancers and which requires regular monitoring and testing. I am 2 years overdue on one test and 4 years overdue on another. I have been trying since April to get a date for these tests only to have it cancelled a week later with no indication of when I could be seen. I know that my case is by no means unusual, even before COVID, and many (often young people with families) have had to endure cancelled appointments resulting in terminal diagnosis when they are finally seen. My family in the NHS are exhausted from the last 2 years, both physically and mentally. They are overworked, understaffed and underpaid and losing all faith in the government’s promises to save our health service.” - June
We as patients know that NHS staff are not to blame for these problems, and that the responsibility lies with the politicians who have failed our health service for so many years.
When the government refuses to give our NHS the proper investment and resources it needs, and prioritises the profits of private healthcare companies, it’s NHS patients that suffer.
That's why we are mobilising to win the fully-funded and truly public NHS we all need - and we need you to get involved. Sign up at nhsnewdeal.org