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Health Policy at Labour Party Conference

Written by Jeff Courtney, September 30, 2021

The Labour Party met down in sunny Brighton this week for their annual conference. There was, as always, some infighting between the different wings of the party but also policy discussions on the future care and treatment for people with bleeding disorders. Our Policy and Public Affairs Manager Jeff Courtney was there, reporting back on developments.

Labour Shadow Health Minister Justin Madders speaks at an Institute for Government event

Labour Shadow Health Minister Justin Madders spoke about the challenges facing the NHS. The affect of Covid, added to longer term funding problems has left the NHS struggling.

While supporting the planned new investment in hospital infrastructure, he announced that Labour would deal with the £9 billion maintenance backlog. They are also calling for more patient involvement in decision-making and a proper workforce strategy to ensure we have enough doctors and nurses.

Labour Shadow Care Minister Liz Kendall speaks at a Health Foundation event

At another event Shadow Care Minister Liz Kendall discussed how the new proposals for funding social care do not go far enough to improve care standards and reduce the burdens on the care system.

It is expected that much more funding will be needed, that taxes will need to be raised further and that the burden will continue to fall on local authorities.

This weekend the Conservative Party begin their annual conference in Manchester. We will be there too trying to find out more about their future plans for the NHS and for social care.