Starmer Warns NHS Must Reform or Die

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the NHS must 'reform or die' following a critical report by Lord Ara Darzi, which outlines a dire state of the health service exacerbated by austerity, reorganization, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The report indicates that despite increased funding, NHS performance has not improved, with rising waiting times and deteriorating patient health, particularly among children and those with long-term conditions. Starmer's forthcoming speech will emphasize a shift from hospital-centric care to community services, arguing that without reform, the NHS may face unsustainable costs. The Prime Minister criticized the British Medical Association for hindering necessary reforms and highlighted the need for a collaborative 10-year plan involving NHS staff and patients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting echoed these sentiments, warning that the NHS could go 'bust' without fundamental changes. The urgency for action stems from public anger over deteriorating health outcomes and avoidable deaths attributed to lengthy waiting times in emergency care.