NHS staff

Sir Keir Starmer sets out plan to make NHS ‘fit for the future’

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has set out his vision for the future of the NHS.

Speaking at a press conference outside an ambulance station in Essex, the leader of the opposition opened up his address with remarks about the “fundamental” nature of the NHS and how it is “one the greatest privileges of being born in Britain”.

The leader of the opposition quickly moved to affirm his party’s intention to renew the health service’s purpose and make it sustainable in the long term.

Sir Keir set out a range of goals with the first being an NHS “that is there when you need it.”

"Ambulances, seven minutes for cardiac arrest. A&E back to the four-hour target. GPs the highest satisfaction levels on record. Waiting lists down. Planned treatment within 18 weeks. No backsliding, no excuses,” he added.

The second goal centred around improving life expectancy and tackling health inequalities.

Sir Keir stated: “We will improve healthy life expectancy for all and will halve the inequality gap between different regions of England.”

The Labour leader then pledged to cut cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks and strokes by a quarter within 10 years. Sir Keir additionally committed to ensure that 75% of all cancers are diagnosed at stage one or two.

“The survival rate for cancer at stage one and two is 81%, but at stage three and four it’s just 26%,” added Sir Keir.

The MP for Holborn and St Pancras then moved onto suicide, saying: “Suicide is the biggest killer of young lives in this country, the biggest killer – that statistic should haunt us – and the rate is going up. Our mission must be, and will be, to get it down.”

“This mission starts with people, that’s at the height of the crisis right now. That’s why we’ve committed to the biggest expansion of NHS training in its history. More nurses, doctors, midwives and health visitors – all fully funded by removing the non-dom tax status.

Sir Keir also outlined how his government would enable patients to get treated at nearby hospitals if it had a shorter waiting time.

Three key “shifts” were also cited, including moving care more into the community, switching from an analogue to a digital NHS, and focussing more on prevention rather than sickness.

National Health Executive, Jan/Feb, Cover

NHE Jan/Feb 22

The pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures - starting at the top

This issue highlights the latest topics within the health sector, from pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures, treatment to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, how the UK is leading the way in cancer research & more!

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Finger on the Pulse

Ep 14. Health messaging is a science, Professor Craig Jackson

On Episode 14 of NHE's Finger on the Pulse podcast, we're joined by Professor Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology
Birmingham City University to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the health messaging around it and how those in power have missed a trick by overlooking the key role of psychology in informing the public of restrictions, measures and the ever-changing situation

More articles...

View all