It’s the week of the 60th Anniversary of the NHS. And, to mark the occasion, the Government is today releasing the final report in Lord Darzi’s review of the health service. It’s set to be reform-minded and geared towards ending the “postcode lottery”.
Early signs, though, suggest Brown’s reputation has poisoned the operation from the outset. A YouGov poll for the Telegraph finds that only 23 percent of voters think Labour will improve the NHS over the next ten years. That contrasts with 31 percent who think the Tories will.
The poll also records an important public shift away from spending towards value and reform. Only 24 percent of respondents think that the NHS needs more money, compared with 59 percent in 1998. Whilst 69 percent want the service to be reorganised, compared with 38 percent in 1998.
All of which spells trouble for Brown.
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