The Conservative government has pledged to implement a long-term NHS workforce plan and to cut NHS waiting lists, as part of the King’s Speech.
It also confirmed proposals to reform welfare would be published along with a law to further extend the age restriction on smoking.
The NHS waiting list has been increasing steadily under the last decade of the Conservative governments and stood at more than 7.7 million in August, with the Health Foundation expecting the list to increase to eight million people by next summer.
The current plan involves extended use of non-NHS facilities which has seen private health sector activity rise 121% on pre-pandemic levels while the practice of tiering – which sees independent sector provide support to NHS trusts – is “here to stay”.
The government has also finally relented after facing significant lobbying and pressure from providers and think tanks to publish a long-term workforce plan for the NHS to ensure the service can meet its demands.
Delivering the speech in Parliament, King Charles said: “Working with NHS England my government will deliver its plans to cut waiting lists and transform the long-term workforce of the NHS.
“This will include delivering on the NHS Workforce Plan, the first long-term plan to train doctors and nurses the country needs and minimum service levels to prevent strikes undermining patient safety.”
He added there will be “legislation to create a smoke-free generation by restricting the sale of tobacco so children currently aged 14 or younger can never be sold cigarettes and restricting the marketing of e-cigarettes.”
The Conservatives have also previously announced plans to overhaul the work capability assessment which controls access to many state benefits and reiterated this process.
“Proposals will be published to reform welfare and support more people into work,” King Charles added.
