Earlier on today a report commissioned by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, looking at the current state of the NHS was published.
The independent investigation of the NHS in England was led by NHS surgeon and former health minister, Lord Darzi.
The report states that the NHS in England is in "critical condition".
Matt Westmore, Chief Executive at the Health Research Authority, has responded to the report.
Matt Westmore, Chief Executive“Lord Darzi lays out some hard truths.
“Whilst the review highlights real areas of concern across the NHS, it also shows where there are opportunities to make changes to improve everyone’s health.
“The Prime Minster has outlined three big shifts that need to happen including moving from hospital to community care, from analogue to digital and from treating sickness to preventing it.
“Innovation and research will play a key role in achieving these, as well as preparing the NHS for the future.
“The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the amazing potential of research, and the impact it can have when prioritised.
“Lord Darzi makes it clear that innovation can make the NHS more sustainable but that for the UK to remain a global leader in life sciences that can realise these benefits, research needs to be a priority.
“The Health Research Authority will continue to work in partnership with the NHS to make it easier and faster to do high quality research in the UK that patients can trust.
“By doing this we will reduce the burden on NHS staff and do research in ways that put people first.”