Starmer pushes for major overhaul of the NHS
PM Keir Starmer has pledged the “biggest reimagining of our NHS since its birth” in a speech yesterday, following the publication today of a full and independent investigation into the state of the NHS.
He set out a plan for long term, fundamental reform after Lord Darzi’s independent investigation concluded the NHS is in ‘critical condition’. Findings provided a diagnosis of the challenges facing the health service, which will inform government’s 10 year plan to reform the NHS.
The PM said that the scale of the damage done to the NHS revealed by the report is “unforgivable”, recognising the tragic consequences for too many patients and their families.
He said, “Instead of the top-down approach of the past, this plan is going to have the fingerprints of NHS staff and patients all over it.
“We’ve got to shift more care from hospitals to communities… [and] we’ve got to be much bolder in moving from sickness to prevention.
Only fundamental reform and a plan for the long term can turn around the NHS and build a healthy society. It won’t be easy or quick. But I know we can do it.”
As is to be expected, right-wing publications had a bone or two to pick with Starmer’s plans despite mild approval – while left-leaning outlets expressed confidence.
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