The NHS mess
- 25 Apr 07, 11:19 AM
There was a story yesterday, or rather two related stories that generated little attention but tell us a lot about why Labour's poll ratings are at an all time low.
First, the health minister was booed and at Unison's conference. Then junior doctors broke into cheers in the gallery of the House of Commons (earning themselves a rebuke from the Speaker) for a speech by a Tory. That's right, a Tory.
Tony Blair has long complained that people's own experience of the NHS - which is generally good - is not matched by their perceptions that the NHS nationally is failing. He has tended to blame media reporting. What he's ignored is the fact that those who should be his ambassadors - the NHS's staff - are telling anyone who'll listen what a mess it is.
To hire thousands more nurses and doctors whose pay you increase substantially but who nevertheless attack you is quite an achievement. Gordon Brown knows that his first task when he takes over is to woo them, not the public.
A few weeks ago David Cameron was cheered when . It was, I'm told, the first time he thought that one day he might just become prime minister.
Why, you may be thinking, didn't I report this yesterday? My excuse is that I was at Old Trafford for a memorable night's football. Talking of which, can I share the fear that I have discussed with another Red, Newsnight's Michael Crick, that Tony Blair will announce his departure on the night of the title decider between United and Chelsea. He wouldn't choose that day to spite us would he??!!!
