NHS Review Highlights Critical Condition and Reform Needs

A landmark report by Lord Ara Darzi has declared the NHS in 'critical condition', citing a decade of Tory austerity and inadequate funding as primary causes. The review highlights soaring waiting lists, increased A&E delays, and a significant decline in cancer survival rates compared to other Western nations. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is poised to announce a comprehensive ten-year reform plan, emphasizing the need for 'major surgery, not sticking plaster solutions' to address systemic failures. The report also criticizes the focus on hospital funding at the expense of community care and prevention, leading to deteriorating health outcomes for the population. Amidst these challenges, Darzi insists that while the NHS is struggling, its fundamental capabilities remain intact, signaling hope for recovery. Key recommendations include transitioning to a more digital NHS and enhancing early diagnosis and preventive care.