Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, today introduced the NHS Long Term Plan Funding Bill to Parliament. The bill will commit in law an extra £33.9 billion every year by 2024 for the NHS to transform care.
Commenting on the announcement, RCP president Professor Andrew Goddard said: “The government’s focus on the NHS is welcome, with the 5-year funding settlement providing stability for the system.
“But it’s clear that significant challenges lie ahead, so the figures in the bill should be seen as a minimum. We know it will not be possible to both stabilise and transform the NHS with this level of funding.
“There remains an urgent need for dedicated investment in the NHS workforce. That must include training more doctors, nurses and other clinicians.
“Those working in the NHS are also acutely aware of the fragility of the social care system. We urge the government to quickly place social care on a more sustainable footing.”