The UK Government has announced that it is commissioning an independent inquiry into the condition of the National Health Service (NHS) to thoroughly assess its challenges.
The investigation has been ordered by UK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting.
Streeting said that the investigation will deliver a "raw and honest assessment" of issues faced by the NHS and uncover “hard truths”.
To further advance this effort, on 11 July, Streeting appointed former health minister Professor Lord Darzi, who is a surgeon and independent peer, to lead the assessment.
Darzi’s contribution will help in advancing the assessment, which is set for completion in September this year.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings from the assessment will help in establishing the UK Government’s ten-year plan to transform the NHS and ensure a forward-looking health service.
Professor Lord Darzi said: “My work will analyse 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 an organising principle of the NHS.”
Streeting’s latest efforts to improve the NHS come after his recent meetings with key figures in the healthcare sector.
Earlier this week, Streeting met with the junior doctors to discuss ending the strikes, and also held discussions regarding rebuilding the NHS dentistry services with the British Dental Association.
In addition, Streeting outlined his broader plans to improve the UK Government’s growth agenda through enhancements in national health.
The goals are based on three major strategies, including a reduction in waiting times to get back people into workforce, and strengthening the UK’s position in the life sciences and medical technology domain.
The third goal is to generate training and employment opportunities across the NHS to drive nationwide economic growth.
Streeting said: “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 necessary first step on road to recovery for our NHS, so it can be there for us when we need it, once again.”
