The report emphasised the alarming rise in waiting times across all levels of the NHS. Patients are facing unprecedented delays, whether it’s A&E, cancer treatment, or routine hospital procedures. Over 7.6 million people are waiting for treatment, with A&E departments particularly overwhelmed—100,000 infants waited over six hours last year, and nearly a tenth of all patients wait 12 hours or more. These delays are directly linked to thousands of avoidable deaths, with poorer outcomes for cancer and heart disease patients. Mental health services, too, are under severe strain, with patients often waiting more than a year for care.

While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many of the NHS’s problems, the report makes it clear that these issues are not new. The NHS’s challenges were building long before the pandemic, as austerity measures of the 2010s stifled investment in infrastructure and workforce expansion. The pandemic intensified these problems, but they predate it by many years.

One key contributor to the NHS’s struggles is the lack of capital investment in infrastructure. The report highlights how crumbling hospital buildings, some as old as the Victorian era, are severely hindering the NHS’s ability to meet growing demand. Mental health facilities are among the worst affected, with some patients being housed in conditions unfit for purpose. The NHS’s outdated infrastructure has made it harder to provide the level of care required, leading to backlogs and inefficiencies.

The report also underscored the broader economic impact of poor public health. Currently, 2.8 million people in England cannot work due to illness—a staggering increase of 800,000 since before the pandemic. This has added to the strain on the NHS and slowed the country’s economic recovery. By improving health outcomes and reducing waiting times, the NHS can contribute to getting people back to work, easing the economic burden on both the healthcare system and the nation.

Another crucial finding of the report is the widening gap in healthcare access and outcomes between different socio-economic groups. Children from deprived areas are more likely to suffer from obesity, fewer vaccinations, and poorer mental health services. The report highlights that these inequalities are not just a reflection of the healthcare system but a symptom of wider social injustices.

The first shift centres on moving the NHS from an outdated analogue system to a digitally integrated service. Starmer envisions an NHS where telemedicine, AI-powered diagnostics, and digital health records are commonplace. This would empower patients to manage their healthcare more effectively while reducing the administrative burden on the NHS. Digital consultations, for instance, could alleviate hospital pressure, speeding up diagnosis and treatment.

The second major shift involves decentralising healthcare from hospitals to community-based services. Starmer aims to revitalise primary care by expanding GP access and bringing back the concept of the family doctor. The goal is to address health issues earlier and in a more personalised manner, reducing the need for hospital admissions. The government hopes to relieve the overburdened hospital system and improve patient outcomes by focusing on neighbourhood healthcare.

The final shift is a move from treating illness to preventing it. Starmer’s plan prioritises preventive healthcare, particularly in children’s mental health and dentistry. By tackling health issues before they escalate, the government hopes to reduce the strain on hospitals and ensure better long-term health outcomes.

The reforms promise to address the underfunding and workforce shortages that have plagued NHS staff for years. However, the transition to a community-focused system will likely require significant restructuring, with a greater emphasis on GPs and community health workers. Staff must also be upskilled to adapt to the new digital healthcare tools.

Patients benefit from quicker diagnoses, shorter waiting times, and more personalised care. The shift towards community care and preventive healthcare could mean fewer hospital visits and earlier interventions for many conditions. However, the report makes it clear that these changes will take time, and in the short term, patients may continue to face significant challenges as the NHS transitions.

More broadly, these reforms are essential to the nation's economic recovery. By improving public health and getting more people back to work, the government aims to reduce the economic burden of illness and drive growth. The focus on preventive healthcare will also be critical in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NHS.