Labour's NHS plans explained
Since Labour took government, there has been a lot reported about their plans for the NHS, some of which were reaffirmed in the King's Speech last week. Here’s what you need to know, and why our collective campaigning will be vital in the weeks and months ahead. ⬇️
Health Secretary Wes Streeting made his first major policy announcement about putting billions of pounds into GP services, an area in desperate need of funding. At first glance, this seems like a much needed infusion of resources into primary care. However, there’s a catch: this is not new money, it’s in fact being diverted from hospital budgets. This decision forces the NHS into a precarious position of having to choose between adequately funding primary or secondary care. The healthcare system desperately needs investment in both areas to function effectively.
Streeting also spoke at an event hosted by the Tony Blair Institute where he said that healthcare free at the point of use “is a principle worth fighting for”. However, he also said that the NHS must end 'begging bowl culture' and become an “economic growth department”. It’s not clear what exactly is meant by this, but in a context where he’s already promised to increase reliance on private sector providers, these comments have left many concerned that private profits will be prioritised over patient health.
A notable improvement from the previous government is the positive dialogue between Streeting and junior doctors regarding their pay dispute. After a second constructive meeting, it has been announced that the BMA junior doctors and the government will enter formal negotiations on Tuesday, 23rd July. This development marks a significant step forward, but we now need to see substantial offers to resolve the dispute and improve working conditions for junior doctors.
Labour has also commissioned Lord Ara Darzi to lead an “independent” investigation into the state of the NHS. This move has come under scrutiny due to the fact that Darzi runs his own private health firm, and has been involved in past failed NHS initiatives. This includes polyclinics, envisioned as super-surgeries with up to 50 GPs offering a range of health services under one roof. Critics argued that polyclinics would force patients to travel further, undermine patient-doctor relationships, and potentially drive out smaller local practices. Many were eventually abandoned, costing the NHS millions and George Monbiot highlighted that they are a step towards the privatisation of the NHS, arguing that it benefits private firms over patients. Other failed initiatives include independent-sector treatment centres, which were private clinics introduced in an effort to reduce waiting times but faced criticism with no evidence to support that the centres offer high productivity, quality health care, or value for money.
The King's Speech also reaffirmed Labour's commitment to reforming the Mental Health Act and increasing mental health staff by 8,500. While these are steps in the right direction, they fall short of addressing the 28,000 mental health staff vacancies. Reform to the Mental Health Act is long overdue. The Mental Health Act is an outdated piece of legislation which too often sees patients stripped of their rights and dignity and detained against their will, especially patients of colour. Patients, families and campaign groups have spent years fighting for this change and this win is due to their work. But there are still concerns about how these changes will be translated into practice to ensure the rights, autonomy and dignity of patients.
There are also many other barriers to patient autonomy and dignity. One example is The Stop Oxevision campaign which is led by patients fighting to end the use of the patient monitoring system with infrared sensors and cameras. This means patients are monitored 24 hours a day without consent or individual risk assessments. This system exemplifies the oppressive and punitive practices that are still prevalent in psychiatric units and highlights the need for broader changes in how mental health care is delivered.
The new government has a significant opportunity to break away from failed policies and set a new course for the NHS. However, as long as essential investment is withheld and the private sector continues to play a significant role, the future of our public health service remains uncertain.
At Just Treatment we will always fight tooth and nail for patients’ health to be put before corporate profits - no matter who is in government. If you agree and would like to stay updated, join our mailing list.