How the new Labour Government proposes to impact the Healthcare Sector

Modernising the NHS

Labour’s 2024 manifesto emphasises the need to modernise the NHS to ensure it is fit for the future. Key initiatives include doubling the number of CT and MRI scanners and the introduction of state-of-the-art scanners embedded with AI technology, aiming to save lives through earlier detection of diseases​​.

To further improve healthcare delivery, Labour plans to upgrade the NHS app. This will allow patients to manage their medications, appointments, and health information more effectively. Enhancements will also include access to local service performance information and medical guidelines, empowering patients with greater control over their health​.

Addressing Workforce Challenges

Labour acknowledges the critical workforce crisis within the NHS and social care sectors. To tackle this, they propose a comprehensive NHS Workforce Plan aimed at training more GPs and midwives. A key component of this plan is to ensure regular, independent workforce planning to better align staffing with patient needs. Labour also commit to improving the provision of dental care by recruiting new dentists to areas that need them most and committing to an action plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments.

Primary Care and Community Services

Recognising the importance of primary care, Labour intends to transform the NHS into a "Neighbourhood Health Service." This initiative includes training more GPs, guaranteeing face-to-face appointments, and creating a modern appointment booking system. They will also introduce Community Pharmacist Prescribing Services, allowing more pharmacists independent prescribing rights when it is clinically appropriate for them to do so. Additionally, Labour plans to trial Neighbourhood Health Centres, integrating various health services under one roof to enhance community-based care​.

National Care Service

A significant pledge in the manifesto is the creation of a National Care Service. This service will be underpinned by national standards to ensure consistency of care across the country. The “home first” approach will support individuals tin living independently for as long as possible. Labour also promises a Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care​.

Specialised Healthcare Initiatives

Labour’s manifesto includes specific initiatives to address urgent healthcare needs. They plan to implement the recommendations of the Cass Review to improve care for young people with gender dysphoria. Additionally, they aim to close the Black and Asian maternal mortality gap by training more midwives and ensuring better maternity care.

Preventative Health Measures

To combat public health issues, Labour will introduce measures such as banning the advertisement of junk food and the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under-16. They also propose integrating smoking cessation interventions into routine hospital care and preventing vapes from advertising in a way which appeals to children. Moreover, Labour commits to ending new HIV cases by 2030 through a comprehensive HIV action plan​.

Additionally, Labour intends to expand mental health services, ensuring that mental health receives parity with physical health. This includes increased mental health services for young people and improvements in the length of waiting lists.

These policies reflect Labour's commitment to creating a more efficient, patient-centred healthcare system. By addressing workforce shortages, modernising technology, and emphasising preventative care, Labour aims to build a sustainable and responsive NHS for the future.

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