NHS future ‘precarious’, warns health watchdog
CQC report says service is ‘straining at the seams’ as number of people not getting adequate social care hits 1.2 million

The NHS faces a “precarious” future and is “straining at the seams”, according to the latest annual report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The report, published this morning, raises concerns about staff shortages across the service, and rising demand from patients. The authors warn that the increasing number of “older people who are physically frail, many with dementia”, and of “people with long-term complex conditions”, is placing the system under “unprecedented pressure”.
Although the quality of NHS care had so far been maintained to acceptable standards, these standards are likely to drop in the future, says the health watchdog, adding that “many providers could and should do more”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
According to the report, staff vacancy rates in the NHS had risen by 16% over the last two years, despite an increase in staff of 4%, and hospitals have been running with “occupancy levels being consistently above recommended levels since April 2012”.
Furthermore, the report says, the number of people not getting support for their social care needs has risen to 1.2 million in the past year - an 18% increase.
However, Health Minister Philip Dunne insisted that the extra money already promised for social care, mental health and A&E services was “enough”, reports the BBC. “With record funding and more doctors and nurses, the NHS was recently judged the best healthcare system in the world, despite the pressures from increasing demand,” Dunne said.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'The benefits of such a program go beyond just the data'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
May 28 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Wednesday's political cartoons include the Big Beautiful Bill's impact on Medicare and Medicaid, Donald Trump and JD Vance plotting in the Oval Office, Russia's expansionist plans, and Trump's phone call with Vladimir Putin.
-
Labubu: the 'creepy' dolls sparking brawls in the shops
In the Spotlight Craze for the pint-sized soft toys has reached fever pitch among devotees
-
How the care industry came to rely on migrant workers
The Explainer Government crackdown on recruiting workers abroad risks deepening care sector crisis, industry leaders warn
-
Could medics' misgivings spell the end of the assisted dying bill?
Today's Big Question The Royal College of Psychiatrists has identified 'serious concerns' with the landmark bill – and MPs are taking notice
-
Washwood Heath: Birmingham's pioneering neighbourhood health service
In the Spotlight NHS England chair says there is a 'really good argument this is the model for the future'
-
The UK's first legal drug consumption room
The Explainer 'Potentially transformative moment in UK drugs policy' as The Thistle opens in Glasgow
-
How can the UK solve the adult social care crisis?
Today's Big Question New commission announced to turn our buckling care sector around: yet more delay or finally a way forward?
-
Should blood donors be paid?
The Explainer Financial rewards would help fill NHS shortfall but bring risk of contamination and exploitation, WHO warns
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
-
A 'transformative' gene therapy for haemophilia B
The Explainer Costly treatment that could be 'truly life-changing' for patients with rare blood disorder gets funding boost