Digital Healthcare Council responds to landmark NHS report

A landmark report into the health of the NHS in England was published today (Thursday 12 September).

Lord Darzi’s 150 page report sets out the challenges facing the nation’s health service.

Key findings

  • The NHS is struggling after the pandemic and falling short of targets for cancer, A&E and hospital treatments
  •  This has contributed to poor survival rates for cancer and heart disease
  • Waiting times for hospital procedures have “ballooned” and there’s been a surge in the waiting lists for mental health services
  • The health service was weakened by the austerity of the 2010s, the report says
  • It warns rising levels of illness are risking economic prosperity, with 2.8 million people unable to work because of poor health.

Responding to the report, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, highlighted three ‘big shifts’ that the NHS must make.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, he said the service must shift from hospital to community car, from analogue to digital, and from treating sickness to preventing it.

The Digital Healthcare Council issued a statement to the media and continues to engage with the new Government and leaders in health and care.

Catherine Davies, Director of the Digital Healthcare Council, said: “Lord Darzi’s clear and detailed report pulls no punches when in comes to the challenges faced by the NHS in England. Our members welcome the clarity it provides.

“The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care rightly points to three big shifts required to deliver the urgent reform that the NHS so desperately needs, for its staff and the millions of people relying on its services.

“If we are serious about improving the nation’s health, reducing waiting lists and putting prevention ahead of cure then digital healthcare must be a core part of the conversation.

“We look forward to working with the new Government and healthcare leaders as they review Lord Darzi’s report and begin the hard work of rebuilding the NHS.

“Our members are ideally placed to shape the future of healthcare and secure the future health of the nation.”