Review of NHS Clapping During Pandemic
- Health ombudsman says clapping for NHS during pandemic may have been dangerous.
- New government launches review of health service after declaring NHS broken.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting's negative sentiment score raises concerns.
In a recent statement, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Ms. Hilsenrath has raised concerns about the public's clapping for the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, labeling it as potentially "dangerous." Her comments come as part of a submission to a government review of the NHS led by Professor Lord Ara Darzi. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has echoed similar sentiments, declaring the NHS "broken" and advocating for significant reforms to address its challenges. Ms. Hilsenrath emphasized that treating the NHS as a "national religion" could hinder constructive criticism, which is essential for improvement. She noted a significant increase in complaints against the NHS, with figures rising nearly 50% from the previous year, indicating a shift in public sentiment and dissatisfaction with services. This change reflects a broader national mood, making it increasingly difficult for NHS workers to cope with ongoing criticism of their services. The public's perception of the NHS, particularly regarding waiting lists and access to care, has emerged as a critical issue in the recent general election campaign. The ombudsman highlighted the urgent need for reform in how the health service is regulated, pointing out the excessive duplication in current processes that hampers efficiency. In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the challenges facing the NHS, affirming their commitment to restoring the service to ensure it meets the needs of the public effectively.