Professor Sir Chris Ham has written a report examining the state of the NHS in England between 2000 and 2020. It argues that 2010, the dawn of the coalition government, represents a turning point for the health service’s fortunes.
The report, which is published by the King's Fund think tank, argues that multi-year funding increases and reforms under Labour led to significant improvements in the NHS performance between 2000 and 2010. However, it says that performance since then has declined owing to lower funding increases, limited funds for capital investment, and neglect of workforce planning.
According to Ham, the coalition government and successive Conservative governments have failed to heed the warning signs of deteriorating performance and have preferred to use short-term fixes rather than seek long-term solutions.
The report says that the improvements that occurred between 2000 and 2010 demonstrate that the NHS is capable of reform if the political will exists and if governments take a long-term perspective.
Ham's report recommends that NHS revenue funding should increase in line with the long-term average, and there should be realistic targets for efficiency savings. Additionally, spending on capital, education and training, and public health should be given priority.
Gaps in social care funding must be filled, and fundamental changes to social care funding and provision must be made. Priority should be given to investing in primary care and community services in order to anticipate people’s needs, promote independence and offer alternatives to hospitals.
The report calls for a credible and fully funded workforce plan for the NHS and, ideally, social care. It also highlights the need for a sustained commitment to prevention and early intervention, both in the NHS and in other public services, to tackle the wider determinants of health and reduce inequalities.
You can read the full report here: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/rise-and-decline-nhs-in-england-2000-20
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