What Labour's overhaul of NHS could mean for you

Starmer promises shorter waiting times and more choice

- RACHEL CLUN

Sir Keir Starmer yesterday unveiled the full details of Labour's plan to reform the NHS and reduce waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks.

The prime minister claimed the reforms were about providing more convenience for patients with the country facing a crippling NHS waiting list backlog.

“This plan is a comprehensive level of that mindset, an NHS that treats patients more quickly, that is closer to their lives, gives them the level of convenience that they take for granted in nearly every other service they use every day,” he said.

Here are some of the key changes, and what they will mean for you:

More care away from hospitals

Part of the plan to get care and treatment closer to where patients need it will see an increase in the number of surgical hubs.

The government plans to open 17 new or expanded surgical hubs, where people can receive non-urgent treatment, including cataract surgeries and some orthopaedic procedures.

The aim is to free up hospital operating theatres for emergency or more serious cases, ensuring patients with critical needs and those with less complex cases all receive faster care.