NHS facing twin crises in anaesthetist staffing and maternity care

Two reports have revealed critical shortages of anaesthetists and systemic failures in maternity services across the NHS in England.

• A Royal College of Anaesthetists report found the NHS has 2,256 fewer anaesthetists than needed, preventing 1.5 million operations annually.
• The Nottingham maternity review found hundreds of mothers and babies suffered potentially avoidable harm or died due to systemic failures identified since 2018.
• Dr Claire Shannon, president of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, said the shortfall is "delaying care for patients before, during and after surgery."
• The Department of Health and Social Care said the NHS has over 14,800 full-time equivalent anaesthetists, with 300 more than last year and 4,500 additional training placements planned.