I’ll reject ‘status quo’ proposals, Streeting warns officials

Wes Streeting has warned NHS England and departmental officials he will reject any proposals “that suggest sticking with the status quo, or bids for more money without reform”.

The health and social care secretary was speaking alongside NHSE chief executive Amanda Pritchard at a joint briefing of NHSE and Department of Health and Social Care staff yesterday.

They both spoke about last week’s Darzi review findings and, in comments shared with HSJ, Mr Streeting said: “I want this report taken as gospel. Our response must be: to take it on the chin, pull up our sleeves, and begin the hard work of reform.”

It would be “major surgery, not sticking plasters”, he said, and told officials he wanted “bold, radical reform proposals”, warning he would “reject anything that suggests sticking with the status quo, or bids for more money without reform”.

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Source: HSJ, 17 September 2024