The NHS is relying more on charities - and that might be creating problems for patients
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is increasingly relying on charities to fill service gaps, particularly in areas like dementia care. While this provides necessary support, experts warn that the shift may create inconsistencies and challenges for patient access to care.
Why it matters
The growing dependence on the voluntary sector for core health services raises questions about the sustainability and equity of the public healthcare model.
The NHS is relying more on charities - and that might be creating problems for patients
By Nick Triggle Health correspondent The distress of the man on the other end of the video call was clear to dementia specialist nurse Louise Burns. He was struggling to get his elderly mum, who had the condition, out of hospital - she needed support to move into her home.
Burns was able to put him at ease. She is part of a team running virtual clinics that support more than 100 patients and family members a week: "No matter what stage they are at, we try to help," she says. She explained the discharge process and where to go for help. The man's mother was soon back where she wanted to be.
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