Dear Sajid Javid: open letter to a new minister of health

Abstract

The UK’s testing strategy adopted a poorly performing test and has used it badly, squandering precious funds, failing to contain the virus, and damaging public trust (doi:10.1136/bmj.n1636).2 Instead we should move to targeted testing of people most at risk (doi:10.1136/bmj.n1638).3 Establish proper financial support for those who need to isolate. The World Health Organization has said that vaccinating under 18s is not a priority (https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19-14-may-2021).9 Instead, to help end the pandemic and prevent new variants emerging we should ensure that vaccines are available and affordable to poorer countries and vulnerable populations (doi:10.1136/bmj.n1444;doi:10.1136/bmj.n1608).1011 Establish an urgent review of workforce planning, with funding for recruitment, training, and retention of staff. Social inequalities and poor underlying health were a major cause of the UK’s high rates of death and illness during the pandemic (doi:10.1136/bmj.n1677;https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/06/30/michael-marmot-and-jessica-allen-building-back-fairer-in-greater-manchester).1718 Appoint the next head of NHS England through a transparent and competitive process.