The NHS’ strike woes continued, as consultants voted overwhelmingly to walk out at the end of July. At the same time, analysis showed that staff absence due to sickness has reached record levels, which unions blamed on demand pressure, vacancies, and poor working conditions.
Against this background, the government finally published its long-term workforce plan, with some focus on technology to make the best use of available staff. The government also announced that the NHS Health Check will become digital from next Spring, with a focus on detecting hypertension to prevent heart attacks and stroke.
