MP JESSICA Toale has backed an independent and critical review of the NHS. 

Labour’s first MP for Bournemouth West told the House of Commons that residents in her constituency have faced several problems when relying on NHS services. 

Lord Darzi’s wide-ranging review, published last week, concluded that the NHS is “in serious trouble” and has prompted Labour to promise wide-spread reform of the health service. 

Mrs Toale said: “My constituents in Bournemouth West have faced rising NHS waiting times; we have GP surgeries closing despite rising populations and health burdens; there are no dentists accepting any NHS adult patients and residents are being told to go to Southampton; and the junior doctors and nurses I meet are devastated that they cannot deliver the quality of service that they want to.  

“Does the Secretary of State agree that although the road ahead is long, Lord Darzi’s frank and raw assessment is the first step to recovery under a Labour Government?” 

The health secretary Wes Streeting replied: “I am delighted to see my hon. Friend in her place representing the people of Bournemouth.  

“The great thing about where we are at this moment is that, for the first time in a long time, there is a feeling of hope and optimism about what the future could be.  

“We are determined to build on that and give staff and patients the confidence of knowing that the best days for the NHS lie ahead.” 

As a result of the Darzi review, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have pledged to create a 10-year plan to turn the NHS around. 

This will focus on three key areas – creating far more opportunities for care in the community, such as scans and tests in town centres and more GP appointments; preventing ill health taking hold in the first place through getting the nation to be healthier; and making sure the NHS makes the most of digital opportunities. 

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “This Government will shift the focus of the NHS from just treating sickness to preventing it in the first place.”