News / Politics
Karin Smyth: ‘We are on a mission to fix our broken NHS’
Karin Smyth says that the NHS is “broken” but that the new Labour government “have a plan to fix it”.
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate about the welfare of doctors, the MP for Bristol South, who is also minister for secondary care, highlighted a 2024 report by Lord Darzi that there has been “a marked reduction in discretionary effort across all staff groups”.
But she praised “the tireless professionalism and dedication that all health professionals show across the NHS daily”.
is needed now More than ever
Smyth said: “We are on a mission to fix our broken NHS by driving fundamental reform to bring our analogue health service to the digital age.
“Through our ten-year health plan, we will cut waiting lists, reduce waiting times, and get the health service delivering for patients and staff once again.
“And these ambitions will only be possible thanks to the hardworking staff, so it is essential that doctors and others are properly valued, supported and looked after at work.
“Employers across the NHS play a pivotal role in looking after doctors.
“Strong and effective leadership is fundamental to building a healthy organisational culture, and too many NHS organisations are falling short in this regard.
“I’ve recently been personally really shocked to hear stories, some of which we’ve heard again today, about the lack of support received by resident doctors, whether that will be around shift patterns and rota changes, access to rest breaks whilst on duty and basic things, really basic things (we would expect) from any employer like hydration and the provision of decent food.
“Sleeping in cars as we’ve heard today, not being able to go to a close relative’s or be the best person at your best friend’s wedding.
“It is unbelievable really and it cannot continue. It has to improve. We do expect better from trusts and employers and we will make sure that that happens.”
We will only fulfil our promise to cut waiting lists by supporting all who work in our NHS.
We will make work in the NHS more flexible and provide the conditions needed for staff to feel properly looked after. NHS Staff deserve better and this government will deliver. pic.twitter.com/vOIvjIWAVi
— Karin Smyth (@karinsmyth) January 22, 2025
Smyth added: “Through the ten-year plan, we are engaging widely with staff, patients and the public; and listening to their views on how we need to reform and modernise the NHS.
“That applies equally to the NHS as an employer. Our ambition is for the NHS to become a modern, innovative and supportive employer.
“That is a necessity if we are to continue to attract and retain skilled and experienced professionals, give them the support they deserve as they care for the nation, and build a robust and resilient NHS.”
Main photo: House of Commons
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