Darzi investigation will highlight problems raised over many years – SAM president (11 September)

Ahead of the publication of Lord Darzi’s NHS investigation tomorrow (Thursday, 12 September), Dr Nick Murch, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The Darzi report will highlight all the problems and failings we and many other organisations have been vocal about for many years.

“Its publication will coincide with the release of the latest NHS performance data which will further emphasise the disastrous winter we face given the paralysis in the system.

“While the report will reinforce everything we already know about the state of health and social care – and particularly in urgent and emergency care – the lack of preparedness for winter is the immediate concern.

“While the current situation will be blamed on the actions – or lack of actions – of the previous government, that will do little to improve patient, staff and public confidence.

“We know the government will try to find solutions in community care which is great in theory, but the conundrum is that it won’t currently work in practice given the constraints on the system.

“Both short term and long term mitigations to the frontline crisis in acute and emergency medicine, hospital flow and social care require significant funding and investment to increase capacity and resource.

“The review will further endorse the decision to blame the problems that lie ahead on the previous government but this will act as a smokescreen given that it is action and not words that is needed right now.

“Diagnosis without treatment and management is often futile. The report will rightly note under-investment for which the only real treatment is investment. There will continue to be excess deaths and an emergency situation this winter unless this is addressed.”