The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, made a promise to prioritize NHS workers over strikes. He stated that the Labour government will focus on rebuilding hospitals and supporting healthcare workers. Streeting criticized the Tories for not having the funding to address the 18 months of NHS industrial action. In September, junior doctors in England agreed to a pay deal of 22.3% over two years with the government.
During the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that Labour would increase day-to-day spending for the NHS in real terms since 2010. A total of £22.6 billion will be allocated to the NHS, along with an additional £3.1 billion in capital investment to improve the health service. Streeting highlighted the lack of effort from the previous health secretary in addressing the concerns of resident doctors and ending the strikes.
Streeting emphasized the importance of having NHS staff on the front line during the winter months, rather than on the picket line. He credited the Labour Budget for this positive change and noted that the government is taking steps to hire an additional 1,000 GPs to address shortages in the healthcare sector.
In response to questions from Conservative MP James Wild about rebuilding hospitals, Streeting reassured that it is a commitment the government will uphold. He acknowledged the need to swiftly address the issues surrounding hospitals built using RAAC and assured that plans are in place to address these concerns.
Overall, Wes Streeting’s remarks reflect the Labour government’s focus on supporting NHS workers and improving healthcare services. The commitment to increasing funding for the NHS and addressing staffing shortages demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing the quality of healthcare in the UK. The efforts to rebuild hospitals and prioritize the needs of healthcare workers are essential steps towards creating a more effective and sustainable healthcare system for the future.
