The NHS is in a ‘critical condition’ with long waiting lists, a deterioration in the nation’s underlying health and problems for people accessing services.
That’s the verdict of the 159 page report from surgeon and independent peer Ara Darzi
The report says NHS productivity has dropped despite a big rise in staff numbers since 2019, thanks to a lack of beds and diagnostics …
There has been “no progress whatsoever” was made in early cancer diagnosis in since 2013 and long waiting lists may have caused 14,000 extra deaths a year.
The report found that the NHS principles remain sound – taxpayer-funded, free at point of use, based on need not ability to pay.
However major reforms are needed. “The NHS is now an open book. The issues are laid bare for all to see.”
The report finds that public confidence has been damaged by repeatedly missed waiting times targets including for mental health and cancer services
Spending on buildings and equipment before pandemic was inadequate.There was a £37 billion shortfall compared with other leading international health systems and the lack of capital spending has hindered productivity
Doing the media rounds this morning the Health Secretary Wes Streeting said that there will be three “big shifts” in the NHS from hospital to community care,from analogue to digital and from treating sickness to preventing it
