Britain’s NHS is well suited to dealing with crises
But it is overstretched and faces an enormous task
WHEN BORIS JOHNSON addresses the nation about the threat posed by covid-19, he likes to be flanked by a Praetorian Guard of mild-mannered scientific advisers. Chris Whitty, the government’s chief medical adviser, and Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific officer, have become unlikely stars thanks to their calm bedside manner. The prime minister’s aim is to show that the government is following the best available advice—in part to offer reassurance and in part, surely, for insurance if things do not go according to plan.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Is it ready?”
Britain March 14th 2020
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- Britain is ahead of many of its competitors in technology startups
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- Finding a great gardener can be a challenge in Britain
- The meaning of conservatism
From the March 14th 2020 edition
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