NHS

How long do we have to wait for action on Britain’s dentistry crisis?

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/how-long-do-we-have-wait-action-britains-dentistry-crisis

Toothless in England campaigners for NHS dentistry

MARK JONES of Toothless in England says the devastating report from MPs on Britain’s worsening dental crisis shows we need immediate action — and explains what must be done

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Over the past four years, Toothless in England has highlighted the deepening crisis in NHS dentistry, exposing the profound suffering of patients and the apparent lack of resolve from successive governments and NHS England to address the dental crisis. Despite some policy promises, the plight of dental patients remains dire in 2025, with access to care still elusive for many, perpetuating a public health emergency that affects both individuals and society at large.

Dental patients continue to suffer in 2025, a stark reminder of the government and NHS England’s failure to deliver systemic change. The statistics are grim: up to 97 per cent of new patients seeking NHS dental care are turned away, and 90 per cent of practices are not accepting new adult NHS patients. Waiting lists stretch to years, forcing desperate measures — with some patients resorting to DIY dentistry with pliers, while others travel abroad for “affordable” treatment.

Stories abound of crumbling teeth, chronic pain, untreated infections, deaths caused by dental sepsis and undiagnosed mouth cancers, with vulnerable groups like the elderly and low-income families hit hardest. For instance, cancer patients face delays in life-saving treatments due to inaccessible dental check-ups, a ripple effect Toothless has repeatedly highlighted.

The consequences extend beyond oral health. Untreated dental issues cost the economy through lost productivity, burden A&E departments with non-dental emergencies, and widen health inequalities.

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/how-long-do-we-have-wait-action-britains-dentistry-crisis

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NHS trust apologises as man’s tumour death investigated for manslaughter

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https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/01/nhs-trust-apologises-royal-sussex-county-hospital-brighton-tumour-death-richard-harris-police-investigation

Richard Harris had to wait weeks to be seen despite complaining of ‘red-hot poker pain’. Photograph: Jimmy Edmonds

Guardian Exclusive: Richard Harris, 71, died last July after series of errors at troubled Royal Sussex County hospital in Brighton

A troubled NHS trust has apologised to the family of a man who died after a series of potentially fatal delays to treat a tumour, in a case that is being investigated by police as possible corporate manslaughter.

Richard Harris, 71, died last July after a series of errors in the neurosurgery department at the Royal Sussex County hospital in Brighton, which is part of University Hospitals Sussex NHS foundation trust (UHSussex).

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An internal review of Harris’s care found that doctors failed to arrange a routine MRI scan for him when he was first urgently referred to neurosurgery in 2017. Harris, who was fit and a regular swimmer, only received a scan when he contacted the department again in 2019.

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Eventually Harris, who had worked as a gardener, delivery driver and massage therapist, was referred to neurosurgery early last year suffering with acute pain. He had to wait weeks to be seen, despite repeatedly pleading with his consultant in emails complaining of “red-hot poker pain” that was “scaring me to death”. There were yet further delays in arranging MRI scans, the review found.

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Months later, the tumour was assessed to be cancerous and inoperable. Harris was discharged to hospice care and died a few weeks later.

Sussex police have confirmed to Harris’s family that his death is being investigated as possible corporate manslaughter, as part of its expanding Operation Bramber investigation.

Police documents seen by the Guardian show that more than 90 deaths in the general surgery and neurosurgery departments are being reviewed as possible manslaughter. Detectives and a clinical panel are examining alleged medical negligence and cover-ups between 2015 and 2021. The allegations were first made by two internal whistleblowers: Krishna Singh, a consultant surgeon, and Mansoor Foroughi, a consultant neurosurgeon, who lost their jobs after raising concerns.

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https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/01/nhs-trust-apologises-royal-sussex-county-hospital-brighton-tumour-death-richard-harris-police-investigation

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New report on rebuilding NHS ‘lays bare the truth’ about privatisation, Labour MP says

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/new-report-rebuilding-nhs-lays-bare-truth-about-privatisation-labour-mp-says

A general view of staff on a NHS hospital ward

INCREASED NHS funding during the last Labour government masks how privatisation reduced its efficiency, says a groundbreaking new expert report which was launched in Parliament this week.

The Rational Policy-maker’s Guide to Rebuilding the NHS was produced by academics and NHS professionals at the 99% Organisation and Keep Our NHS Public (KONP).

Cross-party MPs, policy-makers attended the event sponsored by Labour MP Richard Burgon.

Today he said: “This report lays bare the truth that underfunding and creeping privatisation have left our NHS in crisis. But there is a way forward.

“Proper public investment and a commitment to keeping the NHS free at the point of use can rebuild our health service and improve patient outcomes.

“The government must take note: this is not just about economics, it’s about saving lives.”

The report warned that ministers “must skilfully avoid the pitfalls of the past” Labour government, including failing to tackle social care.

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Founder of the 99% Organisation Mark E Thomas said: “There is no dispute that the NHS is struggling badly, but there is certainly dispute about how to fix it.

“This report demonstrates that calls for further privatisation or an insurance-based system would be catastrophic for both public health and the economy.

“The only viable solution is proper funding, preventive healthcare investment, and tackling the root causes of ill health, including poverty.”

KONP co-chair Dr John Puntis said: “Decades of market-driven policies have eroded our NHS.

“This report makes it clear that the way forward is not more outsourcing or corporate involvement, but a properly funded, publicly run health service that puts patients before profit.

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https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/new-report-rebuilding-nhs-lays-bare-truth-about-privatisation-labour-mp-says

Continue ReadingNew report on rebuilding NHS ‘lays bare the truth’ about privatisation, Labour MP says

Wes Streeting, Lucy Letby

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said that “waging a campaign” on behalf of Lucy Letby is “not the right thing to do”. He’s wrong – it’s important to challenge possible or probable unfair trials and convictions as has happened innumerable times in the past. Streeting would say that wouldn’t he? Otherwise there is a recognition that many babies died because of substandard care by the NHS.

Continue ReadingWes Streeting, Lucy Letby