Darzi diagnosis shows ‘next generation’ NHS needs capital injection

A government-commissioned assessment of the NHS in England by Lord Darzi says a desperate shortage of capital affects performance and productivity - and means the NHS isn’t contributing to the nation’s prosperity in the way it could be.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Times are tough for NHS trusts tackling unprecedented financial and operational challenges.

“Long waiting times for patients, particularly in community and mental health services, are a symptom of years of underinvestment, stop-start funding in the NHS and major workforce challenges.

“Lord Darzi’s report acknowledges what trust leaders have long called for - if we want to improve patient care and boost productivity, we need significantly more capital investment in the NHS alongside wider reforms including a shift to providing more care closer to home.

“Old, crumbling buildings, facilities, and equipment well past their sell-by date hamper care for patients. Much of the NHS estate is in a bad way. We need modern, safe places where staff can give patients first-class care in hospitals, mental health, community and ambulance services, and tackle the £11bn-plus bill for essential repairs waiting to be done. We can’t afford to let this problem get worse.

“Trust leaders and their teams, working flat out to cut waiting lists and see patients as quickly as possible, need long-term investment to ease pressure, meet demand and step up productivity - all of which can help to raise the quality of care for patients.

"A healthy NHS is vital for the nation's health and wellbeing.

“With the government’s 10-year plan for the NHS on the horizon, it’s right that we shift our focus now to creating a truly ‘next generation’ health service. Focusing on the creation of a ‘digital’ NHS, prevention and public health and ensuring patients are cared for in the right setting are steps in the right direction. These must go hand in hand with sustainable funding and investment, an end to chronic workforce shortages and more support to meet growing demand.

“Trust leaders are ready and willing to do what they can to get the NHS back on track, ready to work with the government to get to grips with the challenges facing the NHS and social care for the benefit of patients and staff.”