Rishi Sunak will invite health leaders and clinical experts to Number 10 to “exchange knowledge and practical solutions” in the midst of one of the NHS’s most difficult winters on record.
Today, ministers, health officials, and clinical specialists will convene at Downing Street to resolve the health service’s immediate and long-term problems.
As the winter crisis continues, Rishi Sunak will chair the NHS recovery forum in Number 10. With topics focusing on social care and delayed discharge, urgent and emergency care, and primary care.
The objective, according to the prime minister’s spokeswoman, was to “exchange knowledge. Also practical solutions to address the most critical concerns” in both health and social care.
However, Matthew Taylor, the chief executive of the NHS Confederation, stated that the meeting would not be able to resolve the situation that “has been brewing for at least a decade,” adding, “There are no silver bullets here.”
The discussion comes after concerns from leading doctors about the “unacceptable and intolerable” state of the NHS this winter. With ambulances queuing for hours outside hospitals, numerous trusts announcing major incidents, and rising flu and COVID cases hurting the service.
PM to hold “NHS recovery forum”
It also comes at a time when the government continues to be at odds with nursing. And ambulance unions over wages and working conditions, with both professions planning additional strike action later this month.
In March, junior doctors could join them on the picket lines if union members accept a poll.
Pat Cullen, the chief of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), would be willing to “meet the government halfway” over its pay requests.
The government has asked unions to further discussions next week. And health secretary Steve Barclay has stated that he is “eager for a dialogue.” However, officials are sticking to their position of implementing the independent pay review body’s proposal of an increase closer to 4%.
On Saturday, the majority of the day will be devoted to a forum attended by chief executives. And clinical leaders from NHS organizations, local areas and councils from across the country, clinical experts from Royal Colleges. And representatives from independent sector organizations providing health and social care services.
In addition to Mr. Barclay, Treasury Minister John Glen, Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden. And NHS England Chief Executive Officer Amanda Pritchard will be present.
However, the RCN was not invited.
A spokesperson for Downing Street stated, about Mr. Sunak’s first major speech of the year. In which he identified the NHS as one of his administration’s top priorities: “As the prime minister made clear this week. One of his key promises is to alleviate immediate pressures while also focusing on the long-term improvement of the NHS.
“Therefore, we are bringing together the brightest minds from the health and care sectors to facilitate the exchange of knowledge. And practical solutions to address the most pressing issues, such as delayed discharge and emergency care.
We seek to correct the unjustifiable variance in NHS performance between local areas. Because everyone should have access to great treatment regardless of where they reside.
However, according to Labour, patients “deserve more than a talking shop.”
Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, stated: “After thirteen years of mismanagement. This is akin to the arsonists arranging a meeting with the fire department to put out the fire they caused.
“Why has it taken so long for Rishi Sunak and Steve Barclay to decide to heed the advice of clinical leaders and health experts. Who have been raising the alarm for months about the crisis confronting the NHS?
After five Conservative prime ministers and seven health secretaries. It is certain that the longer the Conservatives remain in power, the longer patients will have to wait.
The Liberal Democrats deemed the discussion to be “too little, too late,” with deputy leader Daisy Cooper stating. “Sunak must stop moving at a snail’s pace and start acting with the speed and urgency this historic NHS crisis demands.”
