At Hudgell Solicitors we welcome the publication of Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England.
The report highlights the severe difficulties within the health service, and whilst it highlights the passion and talent of its employees, it is currently very sadly letting patients down at every stage of life, with a huge challenge now faced to ‘reimagine’ the service and bring about the many improvements required.
The extensive report provides a detailed understanding of the significant challenges faced, and important recommendations to assist with repairing the NHS.
A number of key areas have been reviewed by the former health minister, and there are some shocking findings.
These include, amongst many others, that A&E waiting times have doubled, that cancer-related mortality rates are appreciably higher than in other countries and that there has been no progress whatsoever in terms of diagnosing cancer at stage I and II between 2013 and 2021.
As the Prime Minister has said, poor performance is leading to ‘avoidable deaths’ – all contributed to by understaffed, underfunded and overstretched services.
Despite describing the NHS as being in ‘serious trouble’, Lord Darzi states that ‘many of the solutions can be found’ with the Government now working towards establishing a 10-year plan of reform.
As always, a review such as this must not just bring with it headlines in the media and pledges from ministers to make change, it must bring with it investment and meaningful action.
At Hudgell Solicitors, we routinely act for clients who have sadly suffered from poor medical treatment, and we understand the profound impact this can have on their lives.
We sincerely hope Lord Darzi’s investigation kick-starts significant investment within the NHS, with improved innovation, productivity, education and support for those who work in the health service and are dedicated to making a positive change in patients’ lives.
Hopefully, the impact of the report will ultimately pave the way to ensure that patients across the country receive high-quality treatment and care with a view to improving patient safety and patients’ health and well-being.
