Economist Podcasts Doctors’ disorders: Britain’s overwhelmed health service
14 snips
Jan 11, 2023 
Georgia Banjo, a writer for The Economist focused on Britain, discusses the NHS crisis, highlighting alarming wait times and the tragic rise in excess deaths linked to overworked healthcare staff. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, sheds light on the complex and sometimes antagonistic relationship between Germany and Poland, especially in light of the Ukraine conflict. They also touch on America's military initiatives addressing rising obesity rates among recruits, offering a glimmer of hope with new fitness and nutrition programs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Excess Deaths Linked to NHS Crisis
- Excess mortality in England and Wales is 12% higher than average after adjusting for demographics.
- The Economist's statistical model, using NHS data, links this to increased A&E wait times.
Overwhelmed GP Surgery
- Georgia Banjo visited a GP's surgery in Mountain Ash, Wales, to observe the pressures they face.
- Dr. Camilla Hawthorne's schedule showed relentless back-to-back appointments, sometimes exceeding 60 patients.
GP Overload Impacts NHS
- Overwhelmed GPs are turning away millions, leading some to seek help at A&E.
- This further strains hospitals and delays care for those who stay home, decreasing GP satisfaction.