The Chancellor of the Exchequer has paved the way for new
public-private partnerships to raise money for capital schemes to
support the NHS in England.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:
“The Chancellor has opened a welcome new pathway for NHS capital
investment which we've long called
for. Investing in more new
neighbourhood health centres will help the NHS to shift care from
hospitals closer to where people live.
“The NHS is again central to the Budget although no extra money
has been allocated specifically to help tackle waiting lists over
the course of the current spending review period nor for a
potential rise in the costs of medicines in any deal with the
USA.
“Nor is there any extra money to meet NHS staff pay rises above
the 2.5% allowed for in the settlement from government, possibly
not a realistic figure when welfare benefits and pensions are
going up by around 4%.
“£300million more for new digital technology will go a long way
to letting staff spend more time with patients rather than on
time-consuming admin duties.
“And with more prevention of ill health a key ambition of the
government's 10-year Health Plan it's great to see an extension
of the tax on sugary drinks.
“Trusts work hard to make the most of every pound going into the
NHS and are doing everything they can amid costly strikes - which
put even more pressure on already strained budgets - and high
demand to slash waiting times and see patients as quickly as
possible.”
