Who Cares

Synopsis

A bustling NHS hospital, where the dedication of staff clashes with the harsh realities of budget cuts and political interference.

Marjorie, a 60-year-old nurse from Yorkshire, guides us through Michael Wynne’s immersive docudrama Who Cares, a vivid exploration of Britain’s National Health Service. Through a series of interwoven narratives and testimonies from patients, staff, and policymakers, the play examines the complex web of challenges facing the NHS. From overworked doctors and nurses struggling to provide care, to managers grappling with financial constraints, and patients navigating a system under immense pressure, Wynne’s script offers a panoramic view of an institution that embodies both the best and worst of British society.

The play delves deep into the themes of healthcare as a human right, the impact of political decisions on patient care, and the emotional toll on NHS staff. As we move from chaotic A&E departments to tense board meetings and poignant bedside scenes, Wynne raises difficult questions about the future of the NHS. Through characters like Julie, whose mother’s tragic experience at Mid Staffordshire hospital led to a public inquiry, and Jonathan, a GP grappling with the day-to-day realities of primary care, the audience is confronted with the human cost of systemic failures. As debates rage about privatisation, funding, and reform, Who Cares asks its audience to consider: In a world of competing priorities and limited resources, how can we ensure that compassion and care remain at the heart of our health service?