NHS Faces Deepening Financial Crisis with Job and Bed Cuts
New reports reveal NHS England's struggle to manage a £3 billion deficit, prompting severe cost-cutting measures across hospitals.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting has ordered a review of the funding and timetable for 40 promised new hospitals.
- NHS England's financial position worsened due to inflation, post-pandemic recovery costs, and under-investment in infrastructure.
- Hospitals are cutting staff and bed numbers to manage a deficit between £2.2 billion and £3 billion.
- The National Audit Office warns that the NHS is operating at the limits of its capacity, risking system breakdown.
- Industrial action and the rising cost of temporary staff have further strained NHS budgets.
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