‘No more money without reform’, says Starmer following damning Darzi review

The Prime Minister has committed to the most significant transformation of the NHS since it was established, in response to the release of the Darzi review.

Sir Keir Starmer identified three key areas for reform, suggesting a move towards providing more care within communities instead of relying solely on hospitals. However, he emphasized that reform isn’t simply about increasing funding.

This comes after a report headed by Lord Ara Darzi, a cancer surgeon and former Labour minister, which examined the current situation of the NHS. The review concluded that the health service is in a 'critical state' but can be rescued with additional funding for general practices.

During his address at the King’s Fund conference today, the Prime Minister stated, “Reform isn't simply about increasing funding.”

"Even when facing tough economic times, a Labour government will consistently prioritize the necessary investment in our NHS. However, we need to address the underlying issues first before we can fully utilize its potential."

"Listen closely to what I'm saying: we won't provide any more funds unless there's a change."

He continued, "As we develop this together, I want to shape this plan around three major changes. The first is transitioning the NHS from an analog system to a digital one, creating a service that looks to the future, not just focusing on the present."

Secondly, we need to transition a larger portion of healthcare services from hospitals to community settings. Additionally, we should take a more courageous approach in prioritizing prevention over treatment of illnesses.

"Real and substantial changes, along with a long-term strategy, are essential to revitalize the NHS and create a healthier community. This won't happen overnight, and the journey will be challenging. However, I am confident that we can achieve this."

The Prime Minister highlighted the lasting effects of the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, which the Darzi report calls “an unprecedented disaster” and notes that it was “extremely harmful.” He also pointed out the repercussions of insufficient funding during the 2010s.

He mentioned that Lord Darzi refers to the 2010s as “the most frugal decade since the NHS was established.” He painted a picture of dilapidated structures, run-down temporary buildings, and mental health patients housed in old Victorian cells that were overrun with pests.

"The 2010s were a wasted decade for our National Health Service, resulting in a system that struggles to meet the needs of patients today and is ill-equipped to handle the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead."

In response to the Darzi report, Health Secretary Wes Streeting remarked, "I requested Lord Darzi to provide a clear assessment of the NHS's condition. He has delivered a truthful, expert, and thorough report detailing the alarming state of our healthcare system."

The insights we gather today will shape our decade-long strategy to significantly overhaul the NHS and ensure that patients receive timely treatment once more.

The issues facing the NHS have been developing for over ten years. There's clearly still a lot of work to do. However, even though the NHS is struggling, it hasn't been defeated. We are determined to revive it, ensuring that it will be available for you when you need it again.

NHS England has committed to collaborating closely with the government in its effort to revitalize the NHS.

The CEO of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, stated, "This report highlights that our staff are the core of the NHS, driven by a common goal to improve services for patients. However, it's evident that they are encountering challenges like never before."

Our team is handling an unprecedented number of patients daily, all while dealing with outdated equipment and deteriorating facilities. They are also responding to an increase in various chronic health conditions and addressing the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic.

"Although the teams are putting in a lot of effort to restore services, it's evident that the wait times for many services are too long and need to be tackled. We must focus on the core problems identified in Lord Darzi's report so we can provide the quality care that patients deserve."