Crisis in Pediatrics: Starmer Declares NHS ‘Broken’ Amid Alarming Health Report Findings

Starmer declares NHS 'in crisis' following a report indicating a severe health emergency for children

The study conducted by Lord Darzi for Health Secretary Wes Streeting is set to show that over 100,000 toddlers under two years old endured waits exceeding six hours in English emergency rooms last year.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Sunday, September 8, 2024, 9:

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A new government report has unveiled a grave crisis in children's health, highlighting a surge in serious illnesses, obesity, eating disorders, and infectious diseases.

Sir Keir Starmer is holding the Conservatives responsible for what he describes as a "deteriorated NHS," criticizing their reforms to the health service as "unforgivable" and "utterly misguided."

A study led by prominent cancer surgeon and ex-health minister Lord Darzi unveils alarming data about the declining health of children across the country.

He is sounding the alarm on concerns such as:

• Decreasing immunization levels for essential childhood vaccines, with some rates dropping over the past ten years, are leading to a resurgence of measles and other infectious diseases.

• The number of ADHD medication prescriptions for children and adolescents has increased by 10% over the last year;

• The number of hospitalizations for eating disorders among children and adolescents has increased by 82% since the 2019-20 period.

• Kids from the most disadvantaged environments are now two times more likely to suffer from obesity by the age of five, and in the lowest-income areas, one out of every three children becomes obese by the age of 11;

• There has been a 40% increase in severe and terminal illnesses in children over the last two decades.

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"Too many people are being failed," Lord Darzi stated in his report.

"Childhood is valuable and fleeting; unfortunately, too many kids spend a significant portion of it awaiting medical attention. It's clear that the NHS needs to improve," he notes.

Lord Darzi's study, commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, disclosed that last year in England, over 100,000 toddlers aged two and under experienced delays exceeding six hours in A&E units.

He discovered that wait times for that age demographic have increased by 60% over the last 15 years, with 800,000 children and young people currently on NHS waiting lists for hospital treatments.

According to the report, around 175,000 individuals were on hold for six to 12 months, while another 35,000 had been waiting for over a year.

He also revealed that close to half a million children and adolescents are queued for mental health services, with 160,000 among them having waited more than a year.

NHS is 'in disrepair'

Before the release of the report, Sir Keir commented, "A dysfunctional NHS is affecting everyone in our community, including our children."

"The obstacles before us are severe, yet I am committed to repairing the underlying structures. This will enable us not just to restore our healthcare system, but importantly, to overhaul and rejuvenate it for the sake of coming generations."

"This also involves preparing the NHS to focus on preventing illnesses, rather than merely treating them, enabling everyone to enjoy a healthier, longer life from youth through to their senior years."

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"Explore further: UK's cancer care 'trails' other nations. Applauding NHS 'might have posed risks'. 8am appointment rush 'to persist without financial support'"

During a television interview, the Prime Minister stated, "Everyone tuning in who has experienced the NHS themselves or has family members who have, understands that it is failing. They recognize its failures, and it's inexcusable, the condition of our NHS."

Discussing the factors behind the crisis, Sir Keir remarked, "The funds withdrawn from the NHS, especially during the initial years following the 2010 coalition, the poorly conceived Lansley reforms, and then the additional impact of COVID, have all combined to place the NHS in this dire situation."

He stated, "The previous administration is responsible for the damage to the NHS. Now, under Lord Darzi's guidance, our task is to thoroughly analyze the causes and implement changes, beginning with the initial measures like the additional 40,000 appointments. However, we also need to undertake the challenging work of reform."

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In reaction to the findings, Professor Nicola Ranger, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, stated that "the quality of patient care is falling short of expected standards."

"She mentioned that the previous administration significantly reduced the number of school nurses, which directly impacted the health of students."

"Children and teenagers today, lacking support in their early years and for their mental health, face consequences akin to those experienced by the most at-risk adults who do not receive support services."

"This week's update is expected to start offering solutions, with health and care experts keenly observing the government's stance on their responsibilities. An NHS suffering from chronic staff shortages will continue to be a dysfunctional NHS."

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Victoria Atkins, the Shadow Health Secretary, commented, "Despite having 14 years to contemplate the challenges of contemporary healthcare while in opposition, Labour's immediate response is to make a political issue out of children's health instead of offering tangible solutions and reforms for our NHS."

She mentioned that the Conservatives have consistently recognized the challenges facing the healthcare system, citing the influence of social media and an increasing hesitation within certain segments of the community to vaccinate children as key factors.

"She emphasized that addressing these problems necessitates thoughtful and serious consideration, rather than pursuing sensational headlines."

"Unfortunately, since the election, the only actions Labour has taken in the healthcare sector are to send out press releases, place friends in key positions, and approve a costly salary increase for striking junior doctors, all without proposing any new reform plans."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting and his counterpart from the opposition, Victoria Atkins, are scheduled to appear on Trevor Phillips' Sunday Morning show on Sky News, starting at 8:30 AM today.

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