NHS must ‘reform or die’, warns Starmer amid critical review
Starmer calls for major NHS reform, warns against 'sticking plaster solutions'
Sir Keir Starmer will warn that the NHS must “reform or die” as the government publishes an independent review of the health service’s condition. Health Secretary Wes Streeting commissioned the report, conducted by Lord Darzi, shortly after assuming his role.
The investigation will highlight that the NHS is in a “critical condition,” with record waiting lists and excessive budget allocation to hospitals. It will also note a significant decline in the nation’s health over the past 15 years. Yet, Lord Darzi will acknowledge the service’s resilience, praising the staff’s shared passion and determination to improve patient care.
On Thursday, the prime minister will reference the report’s findings, attributing blame to the Conservatives, particularly the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, which the report calls a “calamity” and “disastrous.” He will also point to a decade of underinvestment. The prime minister plans to present a 10-year Labour plan, promising it will reflect the input of NHS staff and patients.
The NHS must ‘reform or die’, says the PM.
Here’s how we reported the story last night, as a review of the NHS in England says the health service is in ‘a critical condition’. pic.twitter.com/HLIdrhyTpl
— Rebecca Barry (@BeccaBarry) September 12, 2024
Sir Keir will state, “Our NHS entered the pandemic in a fragile state, with higher bed occupancy rates, fewer doctors, nurses, and beds than other high-income health systems.” He will attribute this to a “scorched earth” approach to health reform, claiming its effects are still felt today. He will describe the 2010s as a “lost decade” for the NHS, leaving it unprepared for current and future challenges.
The prime minister will stress the government’s “profound responsibility” to tackle these issues for both health and economic reasons. He will propose three key shifts in approach: leveraging technology for a “digital NHS,” moving care from hospitals to communities, and prioritising prevention over treatment.
Sir Keir will caution that the “biggest reimagining of our NHS since its birth” will not be “easy or quick.” He will call for “major surgery, not sticking plaster solutions,” stressing the need for long-term reform. He will argue that the NHS faces a choice: raise taxes on working people or reform to secure its future, stating, “We know working people can’t afford to pay more, so it’s reform or die.”
Lord Darzi’s report coincides with the release of NHS monthly performance data, which will support his critical assessment. His findings highlight failures across various services, attributing them to chronic underfunding, a growing population with complex health needs, and the pandemic’s impact.
Lord Darzi suggests urgent action in three areas: shifting focus from hospitals to primary and community care, addressing NHS estate issues, and utilising technology to improve patient care. The government has indicated it will prioritise reducing long waits on the elective register, but there is concern that ignoring root causes may result in missed targets in the mid to long term. Fixing the NHS will require both time and money.
Shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins stated that the Conservatives would “review this report carefully,” criticising Labour for missing an opportunity to propose meaningful reforms. She emphasised that investment must be coupled with reform, citing long-term productivity plans, technology, virtual wards, and staff training and retention as Conservative initiatives. Atkins accused Labour of halting new hospital projects, scrapping social care reforms, and misallocating funds.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who prioritised health and social care in his campaign, said the report showed the NHS was “on its knees” after years of Conservative mismanagement. He called for the government to prioritise recruiting more GPs, repairing hospitals, and addressing the long-ignored social care crisis.
What Other Media Are Saying
- GP Online reports that Sir Keir Starmer warns the NHS must “reform or die” following the shocking findings in Lord Darzi’s report, highlighting a lost decade and severe damage to the healthcare system.(read more)
- Biggest NHS reform coming after ‘damning’ report, with the NHS in England found to be in a “critical condition” following a review by Lord Darzi, commissioned by the new government.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the current state of the NHS according to the report?
The NHS is in a ‘critical condition’ with record waiting lists and deteriorated national health.
What are the main recommendations from Lord Darzi’s report?
Reform towards primary and community care, tackle the NHS estate, and utilize technology.
What are the proposed ‘big shifts’ in the government’s approach to the NHS?
Using more technology, shifting care into communities, and focusing on prevention.
What does Keir Starmer say about the NHS’s condition before the pandemic?
He says the NHS was in a fragile state with high bed occupancy and fewer doctors and nurses.
What is the main challenge facing the government regarding NHS reform?
Addressing chronic underfunding and complex health needs while implementing long-term reforms.
