Throwing more cash at the NHS isn’t the answer

I AM a retired consultant gynaecologist and know the NHS is in meltdown.

It is clear that major reform is necessary to correct the ailments that have grumbled on for years but which have now come to a head. Pouring more money into the NHS is not the answer.

Only a cross-party political effort will be able to handle the uphill struggle to get the public and unions to accept reform is the only answer to providing a health service that is fit for purpose.

We need convalescent homes for patients who are on the mend, but not ready for home, freeing up acute hospital beds.

GP practices should be replaced by hubs with a team of doctors, nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists, providing services for haematology, biochemistry, bacteriology, X-rays, ultrasound and screening.

With facilities available locally, patients could be diagnosed and treated without further referral. Those who need to go to hospital would benefit from earlier intervention and improved outcomes. There would also be more job satisfaction for GPs.

I believe hospital management could be reduced by at least half.

Changes in taxation of consultants and GPs have resulted in many early retirements and part-time working, which means the long waiting lists created by Covid are not being addressed.

Advancements in medical technology have the potential for a huge improvement in care, but these come at a high price.

I am convinced that the way forward to fund the NHS is to

adopt the medical insurance system in Germany and France. JENNIFER HUGHES-NURSE,

Barrowden, Rutland.