Lord Darzi has published his Independent Investigation of the state of the National Health Service in England.
The report states that the NHS “is in serious trouble” and highlights problems with waiting times, access to GPs, A&E care and treatment for some long term health conditions, among other issues. It focuses on the fact that the social determinants of health “have moved in the wrong direction over the last 15 years with the result that the NHS has faced rising demand for healthcare from a society in distress.”
Among his conclusions, Lord Darzi highlights the need to shift care closer to home, re-empower patients and simplify and innovate care delivery for a neighbourhood NHS.
We welcome Lord Darzi’s report, which shows the huge challenges faced across the NHS. As the report suggests, there is an urgent need to prioritise prevention, tackle inequalities and help people to stay healthy for longer. We can only do this if we join the health system much more effectively to preventative projects in communities, and provide practical support for people whose health is affected by debt, housing problems and complex social factors. Social prescribing has an absolutely crucial role to play in this. It must be a priority over the coming years.
