Every week, I encounter individuals who are frustrated by lengthy waiting times for medical attention. Despite their compliance with tax payments and physician referrals, they endure months of distress and uncertainty. This situation is unacceptable, and I am committed to resolving it effectively.
Recognizing the pressing issue of extended waiting times in healthcare, I understood that rectifying the NHS’s situation post long-term neglect would be a gradual process. Our strategy focused on investment, modernization, and leveraging spare capacity in the private sector, which has proven successful.
Our pledge to provide two million additional appointments has been surpassed with the delivery of five million appointments. Notably, half a million appointments were facilitated in the private sector at no cost to patients, funded by the NHS.
Offering patients the option of private treatment has resulted in treatments being administered ten weeks earlier, effectively restoring two and a half months of their lives. This approach is not only practical but also ethically sound and forward-thinking.
It is fundamentally unfair that access to superior healthcare is contingent on financial means. I challenge critics of our policy to justify how reducing 500,000 NHS appointments this year would promote fairness. As Health Secretary, I refuse to advocate for longer waiting times for patients.
I oppose the concept of a two-tier healthcare system where timely treatment is reserved for the wealthy while others are left disadvantaged. This administration is committed to eliminating such disparities and enhancing NHS capacity for sustained improvement.
Through initiatives like Community Diagnostic Centers and extended operation hours, we aim to expedite diagnoses and treatments. Investment in cutting-edge technology such as robotic surgery enhances patient recovery rates. Additionally, recruiting more GPs and improving patient access to healthcare services are key priorities.
Since the election, waiting lists have been reduced by 200,000, but substantial progress is still necessary. The previous Labour government achieved the shortest waiting times and highest patient satisfaction levels, a standard we aim to replicate.
Wes Streeting serves as the Health Secretary.