Wes must look to long-term for a sustainable NHS

IN my last column, I commented on Wes Streeting's commitment to the NHS at the Labour Party Conference.

- David Taylor-Gooby

> Andrew Lansley's reforms misfired

He made a declaration that he'd ensure the NHS would thrive on his watch and that the decline we have seen in recent years would be turned round.

I pointed out that he was taking on a big challenge, but one dear to the Labour party which feels it is responsible for the NHS as we know it and wants to present visible signs of improvement to the electorate as soon as it can.

The immediate challenges are waiting lists and GP services. These are the things that impact the public most. Both require the training of more doctors, as establishing more training places in UK-based hospitals will result in more coming forward.

An example near home is the collaboration between Sunderland's university and hospital, which is already resulting in more local people qualifying and, more importantly, wishing to practice here.

The North East has some very good hospitals renowned for innovative research. There was no shortage of people wanting to come and train here from the rest of the country and abroad. Trouble was, they'd all disappear elsewhere once they'd completed their training. Aiming for local recruits means they are far more likely to want to practise here.

GP surgeries are now open longer. But reducing waiting lists for operations is a real problem.