The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, delivered his first health and care speech since taking office at The King’s Fund annual conference this morning

Photo credit: Lauren Hurley / 10 Downing Street’

Responding to his speech, following the publication of the Darzi review, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, said:

‘Although the Prime Minister presented a starkly honest assessment of the state of health and care in England, both patients and those working in health and care services will take some hope from the Prime Minister’s promise of bold action.

‘While the NHS often grabs the headlines, we know England’s ailing social care services are also in desperate need of reform, so it was encouraging to hear the Prime Minister confirm that the adult social care sector will feature in the government’s upcoming 10-year health plan.

‘Having set out the diagnosis, the government now needs to develop a detailed strategy for reform. That plan will need to model how greater investment in primary and community services will be implemented. It must also describe how ministers will embrace a truly cross-government approach to improving the nation's health.’

Notes to editors

• Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King’s Fund, and Siva Anandaciva, Chief Analyst at The King’s Fund, were members of the Expert Reference Group for Lord Darzi’s review. Both are available for interview and comment.

• The King’s Fund has published a new blog on the Darzi review by Siva Anandaciva: The Darzi Review Makes The Case For Radical Change | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)

• The latest NHS monthly performance figures were released by NHS England today. Spokespeople are available for interview and comment.

• More photographs are available, on request.

For further information, or to request an interview, please contact the Press and Public Affairs team on 020 7307 2585. 

The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.