Is the NHS in crisis?

16 January 2017

The NHS is struggling to cope with record demand and social care services are stretched to the limit. Here we highlight a selection of our work to explain the pressures on services and what needs to be done to put the health and social care system on a sustainable footing for the future.

Commentary

NHS finances on the brink

Is the spectre of an NHS – and Department of Health – overspend once again haunting the corridors of power? Richard Murray gives an overview of the state of NHS finances.

The NHS at mid-winter

The number of trusts reporting operational pressures is unprecedented and bed occupancy levels are unsustainably high. Richard Murray examines the story behind the numbers.

Theresa May's choice: give the NHS more money, or tell voters to expect worse care

Chris Ham explores the context of NHS England CEO Simon Stevens' claim that the NHS and social care are seriously underfunded.

Analysis

Demand and activity in hospitals

Still rising: how hospital activity in the NHS in England has changed over time

Addressing the social care deficit in the Autumn Statement

Autumn Statement: urging the government to address the critical state of social care

Mandated increases in investment have failed to materialise on the front line of mental health care

Mandated increases in investment have failed to materialise on the front line of mental health care

In more depth

Understanding pressures in general practice

Our report assesses the issues driving current pressures in general practice.

Understanding quality in district nursing services

We look at what constitutes 'good' district nursing care and consider the growing demand–capacity gap in these services.

Social care for older people

Our report considers the current state of social care services for older people in England.

Solutions

2017 priorities

We identify five priorities for the NHS and social care in 2017

The Barker Commission

Recommendations for the future of health and social care in England