Wes Streeting named new health and social care secretary

Wes Streeting gave a speech at the Labour Party Conference on October 11, 2023.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals are urging the newly appointed Labour health and social care secretary to ensure that the NHS receives the funding and support promised by his party.

Earlier today, Wes Streeting was officially declared the future secretary of health and social care after Labour won by a large margin in the general election.

Being selected by Sir Keir Starmer, the fresh prime minister, means he will take over from Victoria Atkins of the Conservative Party in the position.

Mr. Streeting has been serving as the Labour Party's shadow secretary for health and care since November 2021, replacing Jonathan Ashworth.

Although he was a well-known figure during the Labour election campaign, he only managed to secure his seat in Ilford North by a narrow margin of 528 votes, narrowly defeating independent candidate Leanne Mohamad.

Mr. Streeting, a cancer survivor, expressed his gratitude to the NHS for saving his life on social media after his appointment was made official. He emphasized his determination to protect and improve the NHS, with his efforts beginning immediately.

The new health secretary has taken on a number of pressing problems that require immediate attention, including unresolved salary disagreements, a shortage of staff, internal challenges faced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and more.

Nursing and other NHS leaders are happy to have Mr Streeting on board, but they also expressed that he has a challenging task ahead of him.

Julian Hartley, the top person at NHS Providers, thinks it's great that Wes Streeting has started his new job. Trust leaders are excited to start working with him.

"It's important for the government to collaborate with trust leaders in addressing the issues affecting the NHS, while also seizing the chance to improve the NHS for patients and staff."

In the blog section, Labour made a commitment to fully support the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which includes bold goals for hiring more nurses.

The party also pledged to repair deteriorating NHS facilities, construct new hospitals, reduce waiting times, and mend relationships with healthcare workers after a period of strikes and inadequate pay agreements. They also proposed the creation of a National Care Service, similar to the NHS but for social care.

Sir Julian stated that the social care sector is in need of more funding and immediate reform to offer essential help and support to individuals and alleviate the strain on the NHS.

"He mentioned that both social care and the NHS must be stable in order for individuals to receive proper care in the appropriate location and at the appropriate time."

Trust leaders will work closely with the government to enhance the quality and safety of patient care while also maximizing cost-effectiveness.