The NHS could collapse within two years, former health minister Norman Lamb warns
The former health minister warned that the NHS is en route for a 'crash'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former health minister Norman Lamb has warned the NHS could collapse within two years, unless the government pumps billions of pounds into services.
Mr Lamb told the Observer that the NHS currently faces a “make or break” crisis and that, as things stand, it is heading for a “crash”.
The Liberal Democrat MP, who has long been an advocate of mental health awareness, added that without the necessary funds it will be mental health patients who are hit hardest by the crisis as that is “where the squeeze always comes”.
Mr Lamb accused the Conservative government of failing to own up to the vast nature of the problem and that the extra £8bn they pledge to put into the service by 2020 will neither be enough nor come soon enough.
The former minister for care and support said: “If the investment is not made upfront and in the early period of this parliament, you could see serious failures in the system. The system will crash."
He aslo warned “elderly people won’t get the care they need” as local authorities which contract private care providers can no longer afford to pay them enough due to budget cuts.
Mr Lamb will address the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth on Tuesday and is expected to announce he is open to new ideas for funding, including the possibility of an NHS tax.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: “We are investing the additional £8billion that the NHS itself has said it needs to implement its own plan for the future.”
“The NHS must deliver its side of the plan by implementing cost-control initiatives the Government has brought forward, like clamping down on staffing agencies and expensive management consultants.
“We’re already bringing the NHS and councils together, which is helping people to live independently at home and saving money in the long term.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments