The NHS in England is reducing national targets, including those for annual health checks for people with learning disabilities. Charities condemn the move, warning it will worsen health disparities and potentially shorten lifespans. The NHS cites the need to streamline services and focus on reducing hospital waiting times and improving cancer care.
Officials say that ‘streamlining’ targets will help deliver faster treatment for hundreds of thousands of patients – but charities have been left dismayed
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability Mencap, said: “Scrapping vital NHS targets for people with a learning disability is a dangerous step backwards and could have serious consequences. Access to healthcare for the 1.3 million people with learning disability in England is a basic human right.
Rahima said medics still fail to understand the needs of people with a learning disability and complex health needs. In response to target cut, she said: “I have a good relationship with my GP as he has known me for many years, this means that I don’t have to repeat myself which gets very tiring. He said: “We cannot stand by and see important measures being removed without any alternative approach. Today’s decision could cause irreparable harm.”
In a ministerial statement, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “If everything is a priority, then nothing is. I want to empower NHS leaders to deliver the innovation and reform required to fix the NHS, rather than overload them with targets which have failed to deliver better outcomes for patients.
The strategic shifts will in part help the Government’s growth mission to move reduce the 2.8 million people were economically inactive due to long-term illness.Under the new guidance NHS providers have been ordered to reduce costs by 1 per cent and to raise productivity by 4 per cent. Specific aims set out in the 2025/26 planning guidance include:
The Mental Health Investment Standard – which ensures that funding for mental health keeps pace with overall NHS spending – will be retained. The NHS has also been given specific targets on reducing the length of stay in mental health settings and giving more access to children and young people who are trying to access services.
There are a number of demands about productivity improvements, including a call to “reduce agency expenditure as far as possible, with a minimum 30 per cent reduction on current spending across all systems”.
NHS Learning Disabilities Health Targets Healthcare Inequality Charities
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Not at heart of NHS': Fears women's health hubs could be reduced in new targetsMedics implore health leaders to reconsider scrapping the hubs, saying they have had a 'transformational impact' across the country
Read more »
Dementia Diagnosis Under Threat as Government Reduces NHS TargetsThe UK government's decision to cut NHS targets, including those related to dementia diagnosis, is criticized by health experts and advocates. The move is seen as a deprioritization of dementia care and a failure to address the growing burden of the condition on the NHS and social care. The article highlights the importance of early diagnosis for treatment, research participation, and the dignity of those affected. It also points to the potential impact of reduced focus on diagnosis on hospital waiting lists and community support.
Read more »
Starmer Unveils Plan to Cut NHS Waiting TimesPrime Minister Keir Starmer will present a plan to address NHS backlogs and reduce waiting times to 18 weeks within five years. The plan includes expanding community diagnostic centres, surgical hubs, and overhauling the NHS app to give patients more control over their appointments.
Read more »
NHS Reform Plan Aims to Cut Waiting Times to 18 WeeksThe government is unveiling a plan to reform the NHS, aiming to cut maximum waiting times for non-emergency elective treatment from 18 months to 18 weeks by the next election.
Read more »
Politics latest: Starmer unveiling plan to cut NHS waiting lists in health reform speechSir Keir Starmer is giving a speech on his plans to cut NHS waiting lists - a key election pledge from Labour. But the PM is likely to face questions about Elon Musk's attacks on his government over past grooming gang cases as well as his health plan. Watch and follow live.
Read more »
NHS Reforms: Staffing Concerns Amidst Plans to Cut Waiting ListsStarmer unveils plans to reform the NHS, promising shorter waiting times and increased innovation. While welcomed by some, concerns remain about the NHS's capacity to deliver these reforms effectively due to staffing shortages.
Read more »