NHS : The perfect storm. A Panorama special.

This Panorama special explores the future of the NHS by looking at its role throughout history and its current services in twenty-first century Britain. Dr Simon Bowers visits Liverpool’s derelict Old Infirmary, where he discusses the historical shifts in the services the NHS provides. Some of the members of the panel of The Healthy Liverpool programme are introduced, including Bowers, director of Adult Services and Health at Liverpool Council Samih Kalakeche, Liverpool CCG’s Dr Jim Cuthbert and Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson. GP Dr Phil Cumberlidge is visited at his practise in Vauxhall - the unhealthiest area of Liverpool, where he consults several of his regular patients. Bowers visits BBC Radio Merseyside as a contributor on a programme about public health. Consultant Physician Dr Peter Burnham at Royal Liverpool Hospital discusses the number of visits by over-65s. Cuthbert explains a new procedure for discharging elderly patients from hospital, in which patients are assessed by the Community Frailty Team at home. Bowers and Kalakeche discuss the importance of community care in contrast to hospital care. The effect on the NHS of Dementia patient care is discussed. Broadgreen Hospital’s Consultant Surgeon Dr Andrew Muir discusses one of Cumberlidge’s patient’s upcoming heart surgery. Cuthbert and Bowers visit the John Duncan pub to talk about the state of the NHS in Liverpool as a whole, whilst Cumberlidge’s patient undergoes heart surgery at Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital. Cumberlidge talks about the inextricable link between society, culture and health. Kalakeche discusses his experiences of NHS cutbacks in relation to his rehabilitation centres for elderly patients. Scenes are shown of a new Liverpool Royal Hospital being constructed. Kalakeche and Bowers discuss the economics behind the new health schemes within Liverpool’s NHS service.