Wes Streeting, a key figure in the current government, found himself in a surprisingly upbeat mood – a feeling not stemming from policy discussions, but from a visit to St Christopher’s Hospice in south London. He’d just opened a new wing, funded by a substantial government grant, and witnessing the tangible impact of his decisions was profoundly motivating. It was a stark contrast to the challenges mounting outside those hospice doors.
The health secretary acknowledged the recent weeks had been among the most difficult of his tenure. Resident doctors were actively striking, a move strongly condemned by both Streeting and the Prime Minister, while hospitals across England were grappling with record-breaking flu cases. He spoke frankly about the pressures, recognizing the immense strain on the system.
Despite glimpses of “green shoots of recovery” – declining waiting lists and improved GP access – Streeting remained grounded. He readily admitted to unacceptable conditions, like patients on hospital corridors, and acknowledged that significant hurdles remained. One in four patients still struggled to access GP services, and ambulance response times were not where he wanted them to be. Complacency, he insisted, was not an option.
Recent polling data revealed a shift in public priorities, with the economy and immigration eclipsing health concerns. However, this didn’t translate to increased confidence in the government’s handling of the NHS. In fact, dissatisfaction was growing, particularly among those who had previously supported the current administration. This broader trend reflected a deepening sense of public discontent across multiple policy areas.
Streeting didn’t shy away from the harsh reality of public perception. He openly admitted that politicians were currently viewed less favorably than professions often associated with negativity. He understood the public’s cynicism and emphasized the need for demonstrable improvements, recognizing that “seeing is believing” when it came to the NHS.
With the launch of the ambitious 10-Year Health Plan just six months prior, Streeting expressed confidence that sustained progress would eventually shift public opinion. He understood that lasting change within a complex organization like the NHS would take time, but he firmly believed the results would speak for themselves.
The conversation inevitably turned to the Assisted Dying Bill, currently under scrutiny in the House of Lords. Streeting, while maintaining his personal views, stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the bill was as robust as possible. He underscored the critical need for comprehensive, high-quality palliative care, accessible to all, should the bill become law – a standard he acknowledged the UK hadn’t yet reached.
Looking ahead, Streeting outlined a series of crucial milestones for the coming year: the long-awaited NHS Workforce Plan, the findings of an investigation into maternity services, and the publication of Baroness Casey’s report on the social care crisis. These initiatives represent initial steps, designed to demonstrate a clear direction and address the public’s growing impatience for tangible results.
Streeting emphasized his own desire to see these decisions translate into real-world improvements. He felt a personal responsibility to ensure implementation, driven by the same motivation he experienced at the hospice – the power of witnessing the positive impact of his work. He shared the Prime Minister’s vision of 2026 as the year “Britain turned renewal into reality,” but acknowledged the significant challenges that lay ahead.
