Better plan is needed to deal with the winter challenges
ast week, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid set out the Governments’ Autumn and Winter plan for the NHS.
Vulnerable people will be invitedtohaveaboosterjab,andthe Government has stated it will put into action the UK’s Chief Medical Officers’ recommendation that a first vaccine be offered to 12–15-year-olds.
This is welcome news; the JCVIhasestimatedthat112,000lives have been saved by vaccines this year and the additional boosters and vaccinations of young people will help us further progress into normal life. This is especially importanttooasweapproachwinter –theboosterjabisanextra,necessary step to protect the most vulnerable, and those that need it.
But the Government still has worktodoencouragingthosethat are less likely to go and get vaccinated, and whilst a large majority of those over 16 have had the protection of both doses, and the effect on public health is clear, there are still many who have not yet made their decision.
Thevaccinerollouthasalready been a tremendous success, and it is important to remember the incredible work done by the NHS in ensuring the rollout has been smooth and effective, whilst continuouslytakingcareofusandour loved ones every single day.
I do hope the Government commit to properly supporting our healthcare workers through funding of services, clearing of waitinglistsandaproperpayrise.
Theneedforinvestmentinour health service is evident, but the
Conservativegovernment’splanto increase National Insurance next year to fund social care unfortunately does not do this, whilst in turndisproportionatelyaffecting lower income households. Their plan will lead to further harm for the people who need support most.
Thisleadstoachallengingwinter for many households. Heating costs rise, cost of living goes up, and the Government cruelly follows through its £20 cut to UC.
When the NI rise comes, it will be a double whammy on working families, and the winter plan announced by the Health Secretary doesnotgofarenoughtosolvethe issues this Government created for itself through historic underfunding of services.
Peopledeservebetter;wesimply must see a better plan to deal withthewinterchallenges,toprotect the most vulnerable, to support those working in the sector who have already given so much, and to ensure we have a sustainable service for years to come.