More cash will force the NHS to address tougher questions than money | Richard Vize

Hopes are rising for a solution to the funding crisis, but investment must be used to reshape the health service not perpetuate inefficiency

Indications that the government is edging towards a radical, long-term funding settlement for the NHS – as pressure grows from its backbenchers to get a grip on the problem – are raising hopes of a solution to the funding crisis. But more cash will force the health service to address even tougher questions than money.

With NHS trusts running an underlying deficit in the region of £3.7bn, there is a serious risk that the acute sector will rapidly soak up any new cash while primary, mental health and community services will again be left fighting over the scraps.

Related: A royal commission is not the way to solve the problems facing the NHS | Richard Vize

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Continue reading... March 23, 2018 at 06:41PM