The State of the NHS
When Wes Streeting, the secretary of state for health and social care, tasked me with investigating the NHS, I anticipated familiar findings. However, the collective experiences of patients and staff nationwide revealed a more concerning picture. The NHS, a cornerstone of public service, is struggling to fulfill its promise of effective access and high-quality care.
Breaking the Social Contract
Patients face long waits in A&E corridors and difficulties in accessing GPs. The quality of care, once the NHS’s guiding principle, is stagnating or declining (link). Public trust is at an all-time low (link).
Hope for Recovery
Despite its critical condition, the NHS can recover. The principles of a taxpayer-funded, free-at-point-of-need health service remain sound. The UK boasts world-class clinical talent and medical innovation, supported by passionate staff.
Looking Beyond the NHS
Recovery requires a broader focus beyond hospitals. The ‘pivot to prevention’ is essential to manage rising demand. The government must prioritize healthy life expectancy, akin to climate targets, aiming to increase it by 10 years by 2055.
Cross-Society Health Efforts
Health should be a cross-society endeavor, involving businesses and employers. Positive influences like life-science innovation should be encouraged, while harmful impacts from alcohol, tobacco, and insecure work should be mitigated.
Investing in Children’s Health
Revenue from health levies should fund foundational health improvements, particularly for children. Initiatives like Sure Start and free school meals are proven to enhance children’s health.
Health as a Human Right and Economic Necessity
Health is both a human right and crucial for economic strength. With record sickness-related unemployment, prioritizing health is essential for wellbeing and growth.
Prof Lord Darzi, a former health minister, co-chairs the IPPR Commission on Health and Prosperity.
Comments are closed