IFS NHS targets: a “bitter blow to patients” with Labour’s lack of urgency “inexcusable”

EMBARGO: 00.01 Thursday 20th March

Responding to modelling by the IFS which shows that the Government will likely miss its 18-week waiting time target, Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson Helen Morgan MP said:

“This report will come as a bitter blow to patients stuck suffering on seemingly endless waiting lists, forced to sit through pain as they are unable to get the care they need.

“Years of shameful Conservative neglect brought us to this point but the Labour government’s complete lack of urgency in fixing this crisis is inexcusable.

“Ministers must know that we cannot fix the NHS without fixing social care. Yet they have embarked on a protracted three-year review, despite the sector already being at breaking point.

“The Government needs to finally grip this by completing their review by the end of the year. Patients and their loved ones simply cannot wait any longer.”

ENDS