NHS leaders under fire from Labour MPs over winter pressures
The NHS is facing a severe winter crisis, with record numbers of patients waiting for hospital beds, ambulances and urgent care. The health service is struggling to cope with the surge in demand, exacerbated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and staff shortages.
Labour MPs have been vocal in criticising the NHS leadership, accusing them of failing to prepare for the winter pressures and being out of touch with the reality on the ground. They have also called for the resignation of some senior figures, such as NHS England chief executive Sir Simon Stevens and health secretary Sajid Javid.
Labour’s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said that the NHS was in a “state of emergency” and blamed the government and NHS bosses for the situation. He said: “The NHS is on the brink of collapse and patients are suffering. This is a direct result of the government’s failure to invest in the NHS, to recruit enough staff and to protect the public from Covid-19. The buck stops with the health secretary and the NHS chief executive. They should take responsibility and resign.”
Labour MP Zarah Sultana, who represents Coventry South, also attacked Sir Simon Stevens, saying that he was “out of touch” and “living in a fantasy land”. She said: “Sir Simon Stevens has shown that he is not fit to lead the NHS. He has presided over a decade of cuts, privatisation and understaffing that have left the NHS in crisis. He has also been complicit in the government’s disastrous handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has cost tens of thousands of lives. He should step down immediately and make way for someone who will stand up for the NHS and its staff.”
NHS chiefs defend their record and accuse Labour of playing politics
NHS leaders have hit back at the Labour MPs, defending their record and accusing them of playing politics with the NHS. They have argued that they have done everything possible to prepare for the winter pressures, and that the situation is unprecedented and beyond their control.
Sir Simon Stevens said that he was proud of the NHS staff and their achievements, and that he would not be distracted by the “political noise”. He said: “The NHS is facing the most challenging winter in its history, and our staff are doing an incredible job of caring for patients under immense pressure. We have planned extensively for this winter, investing billions of pounds in extra capacity, equipment and staff. We have also delivered the largest and fastest vaccination programme in the world, which has saved countless lives and prevented even worse pressures on the NHS. I will not be deterred by the political noise from some quarters, which is disrespectful to the NHS and its staff.”
Health secretary Sajid Javid also defended his role and the NHS leadership, saying that they were working together to support the NHS and the public. He said: “The NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge this winter, and I am grateful to the NHS leaders and staff for their dedication and hard work. We are working closely with the NHS to provide the resources and support they need to cope with the demand and to deliver the best possible care for patients. We are also urging the public to do their part, by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, and using the NHS wisely. This is not a time for playing politics with the NHS, but for working together to protect it and the people who rely on it.”
Experts warn of the impact of politicising the NHS crisis
Some experts have warned of the negative impact of politicising the NHS crisis, saying that it could undermine the public trust and confidence in the health service and its leaders. They have also called for more constructive dialogue and collaboration between the politicians and the NHS, and for more long-term solutions to the underlying problems facing the health service.
Professor Chris Ham, former chief executive of the King’s Fund think tank and a leading expert on the NHS, said that the political attacks on the NHS leadership were “unhelpful and counterproductive”. He said: “The NHS is facing an unprecedented crisis, and it needs the support and cooperation of all parties, not the blame and criticism. The political attacks on the NHS leadership are unhelpful and counterproductive, as they could damage the morale of the staff and the trust of the public. They could also distract from the real issues and challenges that need to be addressed, such as the chronic underfunding, understaffing and unmet needs of the NHS. The politicians and the NHS leaders should work together to find solutions, not to score points.”
Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation think tank and a former NHS board member, also said that the politicisation of the NHS crisis was “dangerous and divisive”. She said: “The NHS is a national treasure, and it deserves better than to be used as a political football. The politicisation of the NHS crisis is dangerous and divisive, as it could erode the public confidence and support for the health service and its leaders. It could also hinder the learning and improvement that are needed to overcome the crisis and to prepare for the future. The politicians and the NHS leaders should respect each other and engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration, not in destructive blame and confrontation.”
