Keir Starmer to voice anger that ‘frazzled’ NHS cannot ship after Tory failure

Keir Starmer will say he is angry that “frazzled” NHS staff aren’t delivering results after years of Tory failure.

In his first speech of 2025 on Monday, the PM will vow a “new era of convenience in care” as the health service harnesses new technology. This will mean patients have more say on when and where they are treated, he will say.

Mr Starmer will pledge his shake-up will mean 18-week waits will once again become standard. He will unveil the Elective Reform Plan after Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned the NHS could go the same way as Woolworths without changes.

Mr Starmer will say: “When I think about what NHS staff have been through over fourteen years, it makes me angry. I am angry that people are working harder and harder. Frontline staff absolutely frazzled.

“Yet the system just isn’t delivering results – for patients or staff. That is a cut and dry argument for reform.”

He will say that “difficult choices” made since July means £1.8billion has been invested in cutting waiting times – part of a £25billion NHS boost. This cash will not be used to “paper over the cracks” as it has in the past, he will say.

Under Labour’s plans, the NHS app will be overhauled to give patients more choice over where and when they are treated. Mr Streeting said this will help cut waiting times “from 18 months to 18 weeks”.

In his speech Mr Starmer will say: “This is the year we confront reality and reform the NHS. A new era of convenience in care. Faster treatment, at your fingertips. Patients in control of their health, their life, their future.

“That is what today’s reform plan is all about.” The plan will also expand the use of Community Diagnostic Centres – meaning people can access tests and checks more easily.

The NHS will also increase the number of surgical hubs. These will help deliver two million extra appointments in the first year of the new Government, the PM says.

Mr Starmer will say the plan will deliver on the promise to tackle the 7.5million waiting list Labour inherited when it came to power. The Health Secretary said yesterday(SUN) the plan will bring the NHS into the 21st century so it “doesn’t go the way of Woolies and collapse”.

The measures will also include measures to tackle missed appointments, the Government said. Experts warned that elderly patients and people without smartphones must not be hit with more barriers.

Prof Phil Banfield, chairman of the British Medical Association (BMA) warned the overhaul “must not discriminate or alienate those patients who cannot use or do not have access to digital technology”.

The Government says opening Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) 12 hours a day, seven days a week wherever possible will mean people can access a broader range of appointments closer to home. Labour’s plan also includes an increase in same-day tests and consultations. There will be 14 new surgical hubs within existing hospitals by June.

Under the plan, the PM will announce, 65% of patients will be treated within 18 weeks by the end of next year. Mr Streeting said: “The NHS should work around patients’ lives, not the other way around. By opening community diagnostic centres on high streets 12 hours a day, seven days a week, patients will now be able to arrange their tests and scans for when they go to do their weekend shopping, rather than being forced to take time out of work.

“The reforms we’re launching today will free up millions of appointments, so the NHS can be there for us when we need it once again.”