WES Streeting has ordered a “warts and all” probe of the NHS to tell the “hard truths” of what needs fixing.
The new Health Secretary believes the service is “wrecked” and is today announcing an independent investigation to get under the bonnet.
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He has appointed top surgeon Lord Ara Darzi to carry out the review and has demanded his officials turn over whatever information he requires.
Writing in The Sun, Mr Streeting said: “Honesty is the best policy, and this report will provide patients, staff and myself with a full and frank assessment of the state of the NHS, warts and all.
“It’s going to take time to turn the NHS around – we were honest about that before the election.
“Sticking plasters won’t be enough to heal it. It will require fundamental reform.”
Mr Streeting has also vowed to turn the health service into an engine of economic growth rather than a constant cash drain on taxpayers.
He said “I don’t intend to be another Health Secretary who only ever turns up to the Treasury with a begging bowl. I intend to deliver billions of pounds in growth to the Treasury.
“There are 2.8 million people out of work today, held back due to ill-health. By cutting waiting lists, we will get Britain back to health and back to work.
“And by helping people live healthier lives, we can stop them falling ill and out of the workforce.”
More than 90 per cent of people making sick note requests are signed off by GPs, who themselves are stretched.
Mr Streeting has pledged to use spare private sector capacity to ease NHS pressures but was this week forced to deny claims patients could be charged.
The cancer survivor admitted pulling the NHS out from “the biggest crisis in its history” would take time.
Since taking the post last week he has met the militant BMA union who are threatening more damaging strikes.