Health front and centre but tough trade-offs remain

Responding to the Spending Review, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles said:

“The NHS was front and centre in today’s spending round, underscoring its importance to the health of the nation and the economy.

“NHS trust leaders aren’t taking the additional funding for granted. Far from it. 

“They know patients, taxpayers and ministers will rightly demand more bang for their buck from the NHS through shorter waiting times and better services.

“Trust leaders also know the NHS must work differently if it is to create a health service fit for the future.

“They’re up for the challenge. That’s why they back the three shifts from hospital to communities, sickness to prevention, and analogue to digital.

“But politicians must give local leaders the freedom to lead. They know their communities inside out.

“And with an ambitious 10-year health plan to transform the NHS just weeks away from being unveiled and tough targets to improve access to care right now, trust leaders will ask whether the funding announced today enables the NHS to deliver everything being asked of it.

“We need to have an honest conversation about what the NHS can deliver now and in the future. 

“Trust leaders see other key public services coming under huge strain with less generous settlements, often leaving the NHS to deal with the fall out.

“Once again, social care - which is in desperate need of attention - hasn't been given the focus it needs. Leaving patients and the public without appropriate care is a significant blocker on progress for the NHS. 

“And while extra capital investment in NHS technology and digital transformation is long overdue, decades of under-investment mean we must think outside the box when it comes to solving this double whammy of under-strain public finances and an NHS estate in desperate need of renewal. 

“It’s vital that all options are on the table, including exploring ways of bringing private capital back into the NHS which don’t replicate the costly mistakes of PFI.

“Making these shifts a reality will require upfront investment. The government – and the NHS – will face difficult decisions and tough trade-offs in the coming years.”