New secretary of state faces tough choices

10 July 2018


Responding to the appointment of Matt Hancock as secretary of state for health and social care, NHS Providers deputy chief executive, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Matt Hancock arrives at a crucial time for the NHS with the need to develop a ten-year plan and prioritise how new funding is invested.

"This will require difficult decisions in balancing the need to recover lost ground after almost a decade of austerity, transforming the way services are delivered – including the digital revolution - and improving care in key areas such as cancer and mental health.

"He will also need to address important concerns that fall outside the NHS funding settlement, including social care, public health and workforce development. Without investment in these areas, progress will be curtailed.

"It is vital that frontline trusts have a strong voice in shaping and agreeing to all new commitments in the ten-year plan and how they are delivered.

It is vital that frontline trusts have a strong voice in shaping and agreeing to all new commitments in the ten-year plan and how they are delivered.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"As the membership organisation for 100% of NHS acute hospital, mental health, community and ambulance trusts we look forward to playing a central role in those deliberations.

"We would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by Jeremy Hunt, our longest serving secretary of state, whose commitment and determination helped to secure the long term funding settlement for the NHS.

"Jeremy Hunt was a tireless champion of patient safety and helped to promote a culture of learning and improvement that will benefit the NHS for many years to come.

"We wish him the best of luck in his new role as foreign secretary."