More than 800,000 children are stuck on lengthy NHS hospital waiting lists, it was revealed as the Prime Minister says the health service has been left ‘broken’ in an ‘unforgivable’ way.
In an interview conducted, the prime minister made this allegation before the release of a review about the treatment of children.
It’s anticipated that an assessment by a distinguished surgeon and impartial peer, Lord Darzi, scheduled for publication on Thursday, would demonstrate how the health system is failing youngsters.
It is expected to show that 175,000 children are waiting between six months and a year for treatment and 35,000 more than a year, the Sunday Times reported.
Additionally, it will show 100,000 infants waited more than six hours to be seen in accident and emergency departments last year, with waiting times for the under-twos rising 60 percent in the past 15 years.
It is also expected to identify declining immunisation rates and increases in children’s hospital admissions for eating disorders and ADHD medicines.
In the interview broadcast on Sunday morning on BBC One, Sir Keir said: ‘Everybody watching this who has used the NHS, or relatives have, know that it’s broken, they know that it’s broken, that is unforgivable, the state of our NHS.’
The Prime Minister claimed the health service’s problems stem from ‘the money that was taken out of the NHS, particularly in the early years of the coalition from 2010 onwards, the (Andrew) Lansley reforms, which were hopelessly misconceived. And then, of course, Covid on top of all that, which has put us in this awful position for the NHS.’
Sir Keir also held the previous government accountable for the NHS’s failings, as he has done with regard to the UK’s economic situation.
The Prime Minister added: ‘Our job now through Lord Darzi is properly understand how that came about and bring about the reforms, starting with the first steps, the 40,000 extra appointments.
‘But we’ve got to do the hard yards of reform as well. And as I say, I think it’s only a Labour Government that can do the reform that our NHS needs and we’ll start on that journey.’
Responding to the Prime Minister, shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins said Labour had sought to ‘politicise children’s health rather than provide solutions and reform of our NHS.’
She added: ‘Labour knows that the Conservatives brought more doctors, more nurses, and more investment into the NHS, including in mental health services, as well as long-term funded plans to reform the NHS and expand the workforce.
‘We have always acknowledged that there are pressures, including the impact of social media on young minds, a growing reluctance in some parts of society to vaccinate children and an increase in diagnoses of ADHD. To find solutions to these issues requires serious and sober thinking, not headline-chasing.
‘Sadly, all Labour has done in health since the election is issue press releases, appoint cronies, and give a budget-busting pay rise to striking junior doctors, with no plans for reform.
‘I will work constructively with anyone who wants to improve our nation’s health; Labour should stop politicising our children’s health and the NHS if they are serious about reform.’
The previous 30 years have significantly decreased, mostly due to hiring personnel from other nations whose standards differ greatly from ours. Also, management staff across most areas are woefully lacking in skills, and most middle management work from home most days of the week and spend half their time in team meetings; meanwhile, the wards are in shambles.
THE MONTHLY MOSQUITO 