3 Decades of Conservative & Labour Failure
Introduction
The NHS and Social Care in the United Kingdom are facing an unprecedented crisis, causing distress among millions of people nationwide.
Waiting lists have reached a staggering 7 million and are continuously increasing, while a critical shortage of more than 200,000 healthcare professionals is crippling the system. Ambulance services are overwhelmed, and even life and limb emergency calls are not attended to promptly, necessitating assistance from the police. Strikes among healthcare workers add another layer of complexity to an already dire situation, eroding public confidence in the NHS and Social Care.
Shockingly, the country is witnessing an excess death crisis, with approximately 500 people per week dying above the 5-year average since the start of 2022. This alarming spike in excess deaths is being largely ignored, without any thorough investigations or understanding of the root causes.
This crisis demands urgent and bold solutions.
The time has come to recognise that we are facing a National Health Emergency, necessitating immediate action and unwavering commitment.
How Does It Affect You?
As someone deeply engaged in the healthcare sector and now facing a personal health challenge with chronic life-long condition, I can attest that the NHS crisis hits home in Spen Valley.
While I was fortunate to have access to private medical coverage through my employer, during my diagnostic journey, there are certain diagnostic tests not covered privately.
Like many others, I rely on the NHS for the rest of my life for ongoing care, but the waiting lists are daunting, stretching up to 12 months for essential treatments.
Witnessing the plight of NHS staff is equally distressing. They are on the frontlines, battling against the odds to provide care to patients. The strain on these dedicated professionals is evident, both physically, emotionally and ethically.
Choosing whom to prioritise and the burden of juggling numerous urgent cases must weigh heavily on their shoulders.
The impact of the crisis extends to families in Spen Valley, with loved ones languishing on the 7 million-long waiting list. The Cancer Pathway, designed to expedite cancer care, is failing to deliver timely treatment as per NICE guidelines.
It is a heart-breaking reality for the community, watching the healthcare system they relied on crumble before their eyes.
What Do I think?
Resolving the NHS crisis requires immediate action and courageous decisions. I wholeheartedly commend Reform UK’s plan, which targets a zero waiting list within two years. This is a challenging yet achievable proposition, given the gravity of the national health emergency.
First and foremost, we must prioritise increasing the number of healthcare staff.
While training more professionals is a valuable step, the urgency of the crisis demands that we retain existing staff and encourage former healthcare workers to return full or part time. Implementing a zero basic rate income tax for three years for all frontline patient-facing healthcare and social care staff is a significant incentive. This measure would benefit around 2 million people and help resolve ongoing trade disputes, showing our commitment to supporting those on the frontlines.
Effectively utilising private healthcare is another crucial aspect. Although controversial, private healthcare can serve as a temporary solution to alleviate the pressure on the NHS. Alongside this, enacting legislation to protect the long-term accessible public sector future of the NHS is vital. This will ensure that the system retains its fundamental values and accessibility, safeguarding the well-being of the entire nation.
Furthermore, Reform UK’s emergency immigration plan, found here, aimed at curbing immigration, will play a significant role in reducing pressure on all services, including the NHS and Social Care. By managing immigration more effectively, we can ensure that the NHS can focus on providing quality care to UK citizens.
It is worth noting that Reform UK has carefully costed out the plan and identified how it will be funded. Detailed information can be found on the main Party Website here: Reform’s NHS & Social Care Recovery Plan