MPs Criticize NHS Leaders for Lack of Progress and Financial Mismanagement

A parliamentary report accuses NHS and Department of Health officials of complacency, stalled reforms, and poor financial planning as the health service faces mounting challenges.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report describes NHS leaders as 'remarkably complacent' and 'out of ideas' in addressing systemic issues within the health service.
The NHS overspent by £1.4 billion in 2023-24, with MPs criticizing senior officials for showing a disregard for sound financial planning and delaying budget approvals for local services.
Key government ambitions for the NHS, including shifts to community care, digital transformation, and preventative healthcare, are reportedly stalled due to a lack of readiness and urgency among officials.
The report highlights that some NHS trusts still rely on outdated technologies like fax machines, and funds intended for digital upgrades have been redirected to cover other deficits.
Despite employing 19% more staff since the pandemic, the NHS has only increased patient care by 14%, with MPs questioning the feasibility of achieving promised productivity improvements.