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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has set out his party’s ambitious plan to improve the NHS , with a series of key pledges including reducing treatment wait times and urgent dental care appointments. i spoke to healthcare experts about how achievable the party’s plans are, and what challenges they face on the road to achieving them. Hit a target to start treatment within 18 weeks for most NHS patients in England within five years Labour has pledged to meet a target for most patients to start treatment within 18 weeks, if they win the general election.

This NHS target, which outlines that 92 per cent of patients should start their treatment within 18 weeks, was last hit seven years ago in February 2016. Dr Julia Patterson, founder and chief executive of EveryDoctor, said many doctors who are members of the campaign group do not think Labour’s plan to bring down waiting lists will work unless the party makes huge efforts to support the current NHS workforce. Consultants said staff are already at capacity or have cut their hours because they are exhausted.



Dr Patterson said: “Morale is extremely low, the pressure is relentless, and many staff are already at their limit. “Even for those who could manage extra shifts, the pay offered by the NHS to do extra work often does not compensate for the loss of free time. This is partly due to pension rules; working extra shifts often does not work out well financially.

“If Labour want to make this plan a reality, they are going t.

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