‘The biggest workforce expansion in NHS history.’
At a time when the NHS is under extreme pressure, with staff shortages and strikes causing widespread disruption, Health Secretary Steve Barclay outlined the government’s £2.4 billion plan to employ more than 300,000 new doctors and nurses over the next few years. He clarified to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that this would be additional money from the Treasury – although he was vague when asked to explain how it would be funded.
What progress has been made on Sunak’s five pledges?
Sophy Ridge attacked the government’s record on its five main pledges, asking Barclay what would happen if the five targets set out by Rishi Sunak weren’t met. She pointed out that there were more people waiting for treatment from the NHS than ever before, but Barclay claimed the government’s plan was working, and that it had successfully reduced the longest waits as a first priority.
‘We’re scapegoating the NHS with far too much of society’s problems.
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