Extra billions for the NHS are only a sticking plaster – the service needs more serious treatment

NHS crossroads

WE hope today marks a watershed moment for the NHS, with a plan that makes it sustainable for decades to come. The extra billions being pumped into the Service are obviously welcome.

It’s to the Tories’ credit that they’re putting the money in, despite knowing Labour and their union brothers will give them no credit whatsoever for it.

5

But without sustainable reform, it is only a sticking plaster on a patient that needs far more serious treatment.

In 2000, spending on the NHS made up 23 per cent of public spending. By 2023, it will be 38 per cent. Where does it stop? How many other services do we have to cut so that we can keep propping up a system and vested interests that politicians haven’t been brave enough to take on?

Let’s be clear: healthcare free at the point of use paid out of general taxation is something we should all be proud of. The NHS is packed full of hard- working people who sacrifice high days and holidays for their patients.

But we have seen grand announcements of more money before. All too often the cash gets lost in clunking bureaucracy or procurement debacles.

5

This time, the Government must be clear where the money is spent — dragging the NHS’s use of technology into the 21st century; cutting down on wasteful agency costs by fixing the frontline staff shortage; and streamlining management.

To save the NHS, it needs reforming.

We hope this Government is brave enough to start that process — and ignore the bleating of Labour politicians more interested in political footballs than practical policies.

Here’s to sense

WE’RE raising a glass to Matt Hancock and Liz Truss, both of whom yesterday pledged to stop the Nanny State’s unrelenting advance.

Meanwhile the Shadow Health Secretary is pledging to put more taxes on sugar and salt, like some pea-shooting Dirty Harry taking on Big Salt.

5

5

The PM has been all too willing to give in to the hectoring of nonsense quangos such as Public Health England, with a soft drinks tax already hitting shoppers.

We hope she listens to her Cabinet..

Plan B(rexit)

THE PM is clear “nothing has changed” on Brexit but that won’t be good enough for Parliament – or the country.

Without legitimate, serious concessions from Brussels, her deal will not get through the Commons. And with less than 2,000 hours to go until we leave, she still seems to have no Plan B.

5

That alternative plan should be a clean break — and the PM must have more confidence Britain can thrive on its own.

MOST READ IN OPINION

THE SUN SAYS

A pricier brew is one of many consequences of Labour's short-sighted tax hike

JOHN O'CONNELL

Elon Musk's govt efficiency plan is what UK needs - we're wasting BILLIONS

ROD LIDDLE

Archbishop Justin Welby is a liberal God botherer not very bothered by God

THE SUN SAYS

We don't doubt Streeting is right when he says it’s 'reform or die' for NHS

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]