Improving NHS: A Call for Health-Centric Government Policies
- An investigation into the NHS revealed significant issues, including long wait times and declining patient care.
- The final report from the IPPR Commission emphasizes the importance of addressing health beyond hospitals, advocating for a focus on healthy life expectancy.
- The new Labour government is urged to prioritize health-centric policies to improve public health and economic stability.
The investigation into the NHS, commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, revealed alarming conditions affecting patient care, with many experiencing long waits in A&E and difficulties accessing GPs. The findings highlighted a stagnation or decline in patient care, prompting the release of a final report by the IPPR Commission on Health and Prosperity, co-chaired by Lord Darzi and Dame Sally Davies. This report emphasizes the need to address health issues beyond hospital walls, focusing on the broader societal factors impacting health. It advocates for the new Labour government to prioritize healthy life expectancy in all policies, suggesting that investments in health, particularly for children, are crucial. The report warns that neglecting these health challenges could hinder long-term health improvements and economic stability, underscoring health as both a human right and a vital component of a strong economy.