Has the English NHS Shattered, Metaphorically and Phsyically? Is it a Reflection of a Global Healthcare Crisis?

Abstract

The English National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers in the world with a global reputation of being at the forefront of medical research and high standards of treatment. Despite this, it is currently in a state of crisis with nurses recently going on strike for the first time in its history, paramedics striking, and junior doctors striking due to experiencing burnout like never before. Working as a tutor, lecturer and mentor on healthcare leadership programmes in the UK, the author is hearing firsthand how exhausted so many of the English NHS workforce are and they have had enough of not being heard by the leaders of the organisation. This critical review explores some of the serious considerations as to why this world-renowned health service is shattered – both in the metaphorical sense, but also physically.