In the run-up to every election, the NHS is front and centre of political manifestos. This time is no different, with party leaders over-promising on what they can deliver, lacking detail on how they’ll achieve it.The public wants to see improved access to healthcare and reduced waiting times for elective care. But I worry that the emphasis on reducing NHS waiting times leaves us firefighting, putting more resources into a system that simply can’t keep up with the growing demand for health and social care. It could leave us failing to acknowledge the bigger picture, in terms of what keeps us well and what reduces our need for healthcare in the first place.Earlier this year I listened to Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, talk about his proposed strategy for a healthier society.1 Contrary to political plans over the years, this wasn’t about building more hospitals or GP surgeries2…
