The Intelligence from The Economist Doctors’ disorders: Britain’s overwhelmed health service
Jan 11, 2023
Georgia Banjo, a journalist who covers Britain for The Economist, shares firsthand experiences from a GP’s surgery in Wales, highlighting the urgent crisis in the National Health Service with rising wait times and alarming mortality rates. Max Rodenbeck, the Berlin bureau chief, presents insights into the fraught relationship between Germany and Poland, revealing historical tensions and contemporary diplomatic struggles. The conversation also touches on the U.S. Army's challenges with recruitment due to obesity and the initiatives aimed at supporting new soldiers.
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Excess Deaths in England and Wales
- Excess mortality in England and Wales is 12% higher than average after adjusting for demographics.
- This translates to roughly 5,000 additional deaths, with NHS issues potentially causing one-third.
Overwhelmed GP in Wales
- Georgia Banjo visited Dr. Camilla Hawthorne's surgery in Mountain Ash, Wales, to observe NHS pressures firsthand.
- Dr. Hawthorne's schedule showed relentless back-to-back appointments, sometimes exceeding 60 patients daily.
Impact of Overwhelmed GPs
- Overwhelmed GPs are turning away millions, leading some to seek emergency care, further straining hospitals.
- Others manage at home, but serious conditions worsen without treatment, impacting long-term health.