Anyone know what the NHS reforms currently being tabled actually mean? The government must have reason for proposing and other parties must have reason for opposing.
As far as I can see no-one has explained to a lay person like me what the reforms mean, so I can't understand why there is such vehement opposition. Someone must know what this means at a patient level, but the government, unions and GPs etc can't or won't explain.
Can anyone enlighten me?
Ta
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Interesting to see Starmer's comment resonate with comments made by some on CL a few months ago, about reform needed to save it not just extra money - and in fact all the extra money (where did that come from??) doesn't solve the issues:
'Keir Starmer warned that the 'broken' NHS must 'reform or die' today after a damning report found billions of pounds in extra investment has failed to boost performance.
The PM delivered a stark message about the perilous future for the health service, stressing the need for drastic action to slash waiting times and improve access.
But he will make clear there is no prospect of pouring more money in without root and branch changes.
Instead he argued resources must be shifted from inefficient hospitals to community care and preventing illness developing.
'We have to fix the plumbing before turning on the taps. No more money without reform,' Sir Keir said'
The NHS is adequately funded
Providing more money would be like sending more numbers into the battle of the Somme
Incredibly inefficient
The BMA a major blocker to progression.
Wes Streeting was on after and when the point about BMA was put to him, he didn't deny it...
The first step to solving any problem is to admit you have one.
So far, so good.
Labour now need to find solutions to the multiple NHS problems it has inherited such as years long waiting lists, shortages of qualified staff, an ageing population, buildings in need of replacement and repair, lack of integration with community care provision, ever growing demand for new treatments and drugs, lack of fiscal controls, the wasteful internal market, incorrect effeciency targets being used rather than medical outcomes etc, etc etc.
So, no we don't know what their reforms will be because they can't find solutions all those issues in a couple of months.
And as they are incredibly complex problems there are no easy, quick or cheap solutions.
But that's what proper governments have to do; find solutions, not rely on three word slogans or go for cheap headlines (national service anyone?)
Will Labour deliver? I remain to be convinced.
They have no magic wand but at least they have grasped the nettle.
But privatisation, which works so well with our dentistry, trains, water and power, shouldn't even be on the table.
Of course they can't find solutions in only a few months. But refreshing to see that they have admitted it needs 'reform or die' and it is not just a case of throwing more money at it.
Also, the reaction to Labour saying the above is completely different to the 'other lot' - so Labour should have more opportunity/support to so something, than anyone else saying the same thing
Same people that don't want any pensioners being means tested, also dont want reform but want everything that effects them to be better.
Today the NHS, can replace your heart, change a fat person to a thin person, man into a woman, and vise versa.
Personally I would pay a levy to fund the health system.
The NHS does need reform but that doesn't change the fact it has been horrendously underfunded, as have most of the public sector, for the best part of 15 years.
Christ alive……..I wouldn’t stand for that.
Get on the phone right away mate.
It is also rare that either of us has received a letter about an appointment without then receiving a change of date letter a week later. I've also had the same letter twice a few times