During August Labour published its National Policy Forum document – its the way that party policy is increasingly developed – rather than through conference motions. The SHA did not have a delegate on the Forum so our influence has been indirect. These are some of the statements from the health section of the document – you may agree with some and perhap wish that others had gon a lot further.
The whole document can be found here
“Respondents supported the NHS remaining a public service, free at the point of use. Labour will always defend our NHS so that everyone can access care within their local communities without worrying about paying the bill.”
“Lord Darzi’s shocking 2024 report was clear that there are systemic issues across the NHS which have led to poor experiences for staff as well as patients.
This view came across strongly in submissions, and in the Commission’s discussions, many of which highlighted deep concern about staffing levels, workload and stress as well as the erosion of pay for over a decade by the Conservatives. Despite these challenges, NHS staff work day in, day out and deliver the very best care for their patients. This Commission believes in backing our health workers, who will be central to delivering the Government’s Plan for Change on the frontline.”
“The Commission also heard evidence on the use of physician associates, which has generated some concern over transparency for patients, scope of practice and the substituting of doctors. The Commission supports the independent review by Professor Gillian Leng CBE which will look at how this role – as well as anaesthesia associates – are deployed across the health system to ensure that patients receive the highest standards of care.”
“Government should show leadership in destigmatising mental illness to help reduce barriers to access; and create genuine “parity of esteem” between mental and physical health services.” – Socialist Health Association
Regarding Social Care
“Labour has hit the ground running to tackle this crisis, legislating for Fair Pay Agreements so the staggering 131,000 vacancies in social care can be filled. An immediate investment of
£86 million has also boosted the Disabled Facilities Grant, meaning that thousands more people can make vital improvements to their homes, enabling them to live more independent lives and keep them out of hospital when they do not need to be there.
Respondents were clear that long-term reform is vital to meeting this challenge. Labour will undertake a programme of reform to create a National Care Service that is able to meet the needs of older and disabled people into the 21st century. Baroness Louise Casey is leading on this work, heading up an independent commission to set out this long-term vision for adult social care, with recommended measures and a roadmap for delivery. The Commission believes that this once in a generation opportunity will lay the foundations for a social care system that’s rooted in fairness and equality and properly integrated with the NHS. “
“The social care system is also facing crisis after years of underfunding, with increased pressure placed both on unpaid and informal carers but also emergency local authority and health services. Low wages and insecure contracts exacerbate a staffing crisis, and the governments Fair Pay Agreement for social care must tackle this.” – Unite