Keir Starmer: Pledge of two million extra NHS appointments met
Sir Keir Starmer says the figure is a "shot in the arm", but "the job isn't done" to bring down waiting lists.
So, there are some caveats here, as Starmer acknowledged when he announced that the target has been hit, but it's worth noting that not only have they succeeded, they've succeeded months ahead of a schedule.
Also, part of that caveat is we're partly comparing with a period during which doctors were on strike - but it's partly thanks to Labour that those strikes ended.
Also, part of that caveat is we're partly comparing with a period during which doctors were on strike - but it's partly thanks to Labour that those strikes ended.
Lol. So most of these "extra appointments" are actually just the appointments that should be there anyway.
that should be there anyway. If tories haddent driven doctors to strick over the last 14 years.
Let's keep the actual points valid here. Those lost appointments were directly related to Tory treatment of NHS staff.
"The additional appointments were delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working, the government said."
This is very sensible and sustainable. Although i recognise that it's not possible to train more staff in time to get through the backlog , there's no indication that enough staff will be trained or maintained (many trusts have hiring freezes, no decent pay rises).
This target has been met sure but where is the plan to stop it happening again?