Wes Streeting announces independent investigation into the state of NHS

Streeting stated that the NHS is "broken" and that this investigation will reveal "hard truths 

The new health secretary, Wes Streeting, has ordered a full and independent investigation into the current state of the NHS to uncover the extent of the issues facing the health service.

Streeting emphasised that this investigation will reveal hard truths and serve as the foundation for the Labour government's 10-year plan to radically reform the NHS, aiming to build a health service fit for the future.

He stated that a 'raw and honest' assessment is the crucial first step on the path to recovery for the health service.

On Thursday, the Health and Social Care Secretary appointed Professor Lord Darzi, a lifelong surgeon, innovator, independent peer, and former health minister, to lead the rapid assessment, which is expected to be completed by September.

Streeting said: “Anyone who works in or uses the NHS can see it is broken. This government will be honest about the challenges facing the health service, and serious about tackling them.

“This investigation will uncover hard truths and I’ve asked for nothing to be held back. I trust Lord Darzi will leave no stone unturned and have told him to speak truth to power.

“I want a raw and frank assessment of the state of the NHS. This is the necessary first step on the road to recovery for our National Health Service, so it can be there for us when we need it, once again.

Professor Lord Darzi, an NHS surgeon for 30 years, echoed this sentiment, noting that a proper diagnosis is the first step to addressing any health problem.

He stated: “As every clinician and every patient knows, the first step to addressing any health problem is a proper diagnosis.

“My work will analyse the evidence to understand where we are today - and how we got to here - so that the health service can move forward.

“This is an important step to re-establishing quality of care as the organising principle of the NHS.”

NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard stated that they will work closely with the government, independent experts and NHS staff to thoroughly examine the scale of the challenges and set out plans to address them.

“This comprehensive analysis will be an important step in helping us to build an NHS fit for the future,” she added.

Streeting has also outlined his broader commitment to support the government’s growth mission by enhancing the nation's health.

The goals are based on three key steps:

1. Reducing waiting times to help people return to work
2. Establishing the UK as a leader in life sciences and medical technology
3. Creating training and job opportunities within the NHS to drive growth across the country