Lord Darzi review highlights 'critical condition' of NHS and cardiovascular services

An independent review of the NHS has addressed the severe challenges facing cardiovascular care services as it finds the health service in “critical condition”. 

Independent peer Lord Darzi said he was “shocked” with what he found during his investigation into the state of the NHS and the nation’s health, adding that the health service has been “unforgivably damaged”. 

The report assessed patient access, quality of care, and the overall performance of the health system. It also focuses on care for specific conditions, including cardiovascular disease. 

In our submission to the review, which was quoted in the report, we said: “We’re extremely concerned that the significant progress made on heart disease and circulatory diseases (CVD) in the last 50 years is beginning to reverse.  

“The number of people dying before the age of 75 in England from CVD has risen to the highest level in 14 years.” 

While praising the efforts of dedicated NHS staff, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said today that the report shows that “fundamental reform” is needed for the health service. His Government has committed to a 10-year plan for rebuilding the NHS.  

Heart care waits increase again 

The report addresses NHS performance, including on waiting times for treatment and care. 

Latest NHS England figures published today show that the overall heart care waiting list rose to a new record high of 427,154 in July in England – the ninth consecutive month of rises. 

Forty per cent of people on that heart care waiting list are waiting over 18 weeks, the maximum target treatment time. There are still over 10,000 people waiting more than a year for time-sensitive heart treatment. 

The longer people wait for treatment, the higher their risk of becoming disabled from heart failure or dying prematurely.  

The average ambulance response time for heart attacks and strokes fell to 27 minutes in August, down from 33 minutes in July. 

Before the pandemic, the response target was 18 minutes on average but was increased to 30 minutes due to pressure and long delays in ambulance services.  

Professor Bryan Williams, our Chief Scientific and Medical Officer said: “Lord Darzi’s Investigation is an important recognition that every aspect of cardiovascular care has been damaged - from prevention and diagnosis, through to treatment and aftercare. 

“Tragically, it is heart patients who are paying the price – from the people who missed checks for high blood pressure during the pandemic, to someone’s avoidable heart attack because of a delay fitting a stent, and those for whom an ambulance came too late to save their life. 

"Despite NHS staff doing all they can, heart care services have struggled to cope with the unrelenting pressure and demand. Without an urgent fix, we will continue to see grave consequences.  

“If people don’t receive timely good care, they may develop more complex health issues or even die prematurely. We have already seen a lost decade of progress, so the 10-year health plan must get to grips with these challenges. 

“We can't become desensitised to this crisis. Action is needed now to prevent more avoidable loss of life, reduce costs to the system and tackle growing inequalities.  

“Over and above all, patients and their families need to see a comprehensive Heart Disease Action Plan from Government that ensures better cardiovascular health for everyone.” 

Bold action needed 

Elsewhere in the report, Lord Darzi highlights that cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death, and is a major driver of widening health inequalities. 

Poor rates of uptake for cardiac rehabilitation were also cited as an example of factors contributing to poor health outcomes. 

A lack of urgency in driving research and innovation and a lack of clinical academics was described as a “worrying trend”, as investments now can lead to the cures of the future and a more sustainable NHS. 

On preventing cardiovascular disease in the first place, Lord Darzi said: “Where bold action has been taken, health has improved. This is notably the case for smoking.” 

He praised the Government’s intentions to bring back legislation to create a smokefree generation by raising the age of sale of tobacco.  

However, the peer added that bold action “has been sorely lacking on obesity and regulation of the food industry”. 

The BHF and its partners have been calling for robust measures to reduce obesity rates, including bringing in delayed legislation to restrict junk food marketing and mandatory reformulation of foods high in fat, sugar and salt. 

Last week, we published a report setting out how Government can turn the tide on cardiovascular disease with a Heart Disease Action Plan. 

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