Briefing / HFMA statement on the current NHS pressures

The HFMA sets out its views on the current NHS pressures and what needs to happen now.

The NHS is facing unprecedented pressures currently, with all staff working flat out to meet significant urgent demand while also addressing the extensive elective backlog. These pressures are being experienced across the whole service, including acute, mental health, community, ambulance and primary care services, with similar pressures in social care adding to the challenge.

The frontline pressures – many of which are down to workforce shortages – are compounded by significant financial pressures, which are being felt by NHS boards and finance departments in particular. The service and financial challenges faced this year look set to carry on into 2023/24, despite welcome increases in funding announced in the autumn statement.

While we recognise that the problems are complex and some of them not easily solved, there are some actions that would at least help to not make things worse.

Read the full HFMA statement on the current NHS pressures here.