Labour’s health spokesperson Wes Streeting has criticized Chancellor Rishi Sunak for failing to address the ongoing issues with the NHS in England. Streeting pointed out that waiting list figures remain near record levels, with patients waiting longer than ever for crucial care. Despite Sunak’s promises to reduce waiting times, the numbers have only increased since he took office.
Streeting highlighted the struggles faced by patients with suspected heart attacks or strokes, who are waiting almost double the safe amount of time for treatment. He also mentioned the challenges faced by doctors, who are forced to prioritize relatively healthy patients to meet targets, leaving those in desperate need waiting for hours in A&E.
In response to the crisis, Streeting emphasized that only Labour has a plan to invest in and reform the NHS. The party aims to provide an additional two million operations and appointments at evenings and weekends, funded by cracking down on tax dodgers.
The ongoing issues with the NHS waiting lists have raised concerns about the government’s handling of healthcare in England. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Sunak and the government will address the growing challenges facing the healthcare system.