Joy Morgan says the government must put the needs of the workforce above misplaced, opportunistic and unproven ideology, while Prof Philip Graham addresses the neglected social determinants of health. Plus letters from Anna Ridehalgh and Frances Crook
Exhausted and traumatised NHS professionals who have given more during this pandemic than any of us could have imagined or asked for will undoubtedly feel badly let down if the government’s “gratitude” is to be expressed now by embarking on another ill-timed and questionable NHS reorganisation (Matt Hancock lays out plan for reorganisation of NHS in England, 11 February).
The catch-up workload is going to be immense and NHS staff need a period of calm and support to enable them to recover psychologically and physically, not the stress and pressure of more change. The government needs to put the needs of the workforce above misplaced, opportunistic and unproven ideology. If they don’t, the exodus of staff from the NHS will itself hit epidemic proportions. Think again, Matt Hancock – doctors still haven’t forgiven your predecessor for his treatment of their contracts and this government has used up any remaining goodwill.
Joy Morgan
Leek Wootton, Warwickshire
