We must make it a national endeavour to get to Zero NHS Waiting Lists in 2 years. This can be done, but only with a fresh, bold, can-do approach. Healthcare must remain free at the point of use.
Whilst we treasure some of the front line care provided by the NHS, we must be honest. The NHS is in crisis: patients are suffering. Too often the care lets people down badly. Waiting lists are at record highs. Hospital beds have been cut from 300,000 to 141,000 while the population has grown by 20%. Hundreds die every week because of delays in Accident and Emergency. Ambulance waiting times are at record highs. This has contributed to an excess deaths crisis and some of the worst health outcomes in Europe.
This is not about funding. Per head of population, NHS spending is similar to other western countries. Sadly, the NHS is being let down by incompetent management, bureaucracy, waste, cover-ups and scandals. The NHS has a crisis in leadership. This will take time to fix. It is about structure and motivation.
Despite extra record funding in
recent years, NHS health care
outcomes have declined. While
still free at the point of delivery,
our healthcare needs major
reforms to improve results and
enjoy zero waiting lists.
CRITICAL REFORMS NEEDED IN THE FIRST 100 DAYS:
End Doctor and Nurse Shortages.
All frontline NHS and social care staff to pay zero basic rate tax for 3 years. This will help retain existing staff and attract many who have left to return. End training caps for all UK medical students. Write off student fees pro rata per year over 10 years of NHS service for all doctors, nurses and medical staff.
Use Independent Healthcare Capacity.
We will harness independent and not-for-profit health provision in the UK and overseas.
Tax Relief of 20% on all Private Healthcare and Insurance.
This will improve care for all by relieving pressure on the NHS. Those who rely on the NHS will enjoy faster, better care. Independent healthcare capacity will grow rapidly, providing competition and reducing costs.
Thereafter:
Put Patients in Charge With a New NHS Voucher Scheme
NHS Patients will receive a voucher for private treatment if they can’t see a GP within 3 days.For a consultant it would be 3 weeks. For an operation, 9 weeks. Services will always be free at the point of use.
Improve Efficiency. Cut Waste and Unnecessary Managers.
Operating theatres must be open on weekends. Rotas must be planned further in advance. Nail down better prices using economies of scale. Review all NHS Private Finance Contracts for significant savings potential. Charge those who fail to attend medical appointments without notice. Abolish the NHS Race and Health Observatory.
Save A&E
Cut waiting times with a campaign of ‘Pharmacy First, GP Second, A&E Last’. We will offer tax incentives for new pharmacies and those who employ more staff to assist in relieving pressure on A&E.
Excess Deaths and Vaccine Harms Public Inquiry
Excess deaths are nearly as high as they were during the Covid pandemic. Young people are over-represented.
