NHS England: Staff Costs
Debate between Baroness Blake of Leeds and Lord Grocott
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
We made a Statement just last week on the situation with resident doctors, and we make absolutely no bones about saying that we do not approve of the action they are taking. We have to work together to make sure that NHS England moves forward and merges with the Department of Health and Social Care. The 50% is not a definitive decision; it will be done based on need and delivery of services.
Lord Grocott (Lab)
My Lords, I was very taken with my noble friend Lord Hunt’s forensic analysis of the coalition Government’s performance on health. He mentioned the £3.5 billion figure. I know that my noble friend the Minister is not able to respond to that now, but would it not be very useful and enlightening for us all if we knew precisely how much money was wasted by the coalition Government at that time?
Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)
I can only say that the ongoing forensic work will uncover what has happened over the past few years, but I think we all know that, at the moment, the NHS is not fit for purpose; there needs to be radical change. This Government are absolutely committed to that, and we will make sure that it happens at pace and safely, putting patients front and centre in the delivery of health services in this country.