Labour leader sir Keir Starmer vows to end dangerous delays, personally monitoring NHS progress
In a bold move to address concerning delays in children’s healthcare, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to fast-track children on NHS waiting lists. Starmer emphasized the potential dangers and long-term health impacts of extended waits, pledging to put sick kids at the forefront of hospital queues.
Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Starmer expressed concern over the alarming statistics, revealing that in November alone, there were 180,000 cases of children waiting for treatment beyond 18 weeks, with 18,000 enduring waits exceeding a year. Labour’s proposal aims not only to expedite children’s access to healthcare but also to eliminate waits of more than 18 weeks for all patients.
Sir Keir Starmer asserted that under a Labour government, NHS administrators would receive clear directives to prioritize children, ensuring they receive prompt medical attention. He committed to personally monitoring the progress made in reducing these waiting times, emphasizing the significance of timely healthcare for children’s well-being.
Embed from Getty Images“When children are waiting over a year for treatment, that is dangerous and damaging for their long-term health,” Starmer stated. He expressed empathy for families enduring immense stress due to prolonged waits, pledging to put an end to such heartbreaking situations and alleviate the strain on family life.
Sir Keir condemned the impact of short-term policies over the past 14 years, particularly on the nation’s children. He declared his commitment to reversing this trend, stating, “My Labour government will turn this trend around, and I will personally monitor the speed at which we do.”
This announcement follows Sir Keir’s recent declaration that he is “up for the fight” to defend what he terms the “nanny state,” signaling Labour’s intent to tackle healthcare challenges head-on and prioritize the well-being of the nation’s children.
