PERHAPS it should not come as a big surprise, but there is now no doubt that our National Health Service is facing a real crisis.

This week, it emerged that the NHS in England has missed its four-hour A&E waiting time target with performance dropping to its lowest level for a decade.

As we report today, Basingstoke hospital – run by a high-performing and efficient hospital trust – is facing unprecedented challenges due to various issues.

Dr Carl Brookes, medical director for medical services at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, says: “There is no doubt that we, and other hospitals around the country, are facing extraordinary challenges.

“Our latest figures show that we are seeing 11 per cent more patients in the emergency department compared to last year, and we are also facing challenges in getting people out of the back door.

“There are problems with access to adult services, we are seeing a lot of frail elderly people who need special care, and we need family support.”

When experts like Dr Brookes speak up like this, politicians, stakeholders and the public need to listen because all have a part to play in tackling the crisis gripping our NHS.

We have an ageing population, a public sector creaking under the weight of cuts, and a public struggling to access GP services. Unfortunately, some are turning to A&E when they should not do so.

Politicians need to listen to the experts on the healthcare frontline, and they need to work together to help the NHS to get to grips with the current crisis. They then need to come up with a positive and effective plan of action for the future.