I was speaking yesterday with some UK health workers. Make no...

I was speaking yesterday with some UK health workers. Make no mistake - the NHS crisis is very real. The health system is at breaking point. They pointed me to the latest data which demonstrates the size of the workforce problem.

There are 133, 446 vacancies which is around 10% of the NHS workforce.  The situation is worse for nurses. Morale is extremely low and industrial action and strikes are happening across the entire workforce.  It is understandable in this context that contracts and tenders are delayed.   

On a positive note, upcoming NHS nursing strikes have just been paused as ministers agree to 'intensive' talks over pay.  Let's hope the negotiations are successful and we hear some good news soon on pending contracts.