19.10.12
One-off costs
It has emerged that the costs of implementing the Health and Social Care Act are £300m higher than originally expected – striking another blow against the controversial reforms.
Unions and campaigners against the Act have been vocal in their disgust at extra money being required from taxpayers to fund a major restructuring that many disagree with.
The DH has dismissed such concerns, stating that the money is a “one-off” cost. But the effects of the Act will be felt in the long-term for both patients and staff. The potential costs if reform is not implemented effectively are huge.
When the news is taken in conjunction with the thousands of jobs lost this year in the NHS, it is clear that the costs of reform are both significant and extensive.
Now the pressure is higher than ever for the new NHS to deliver an improved system of care and the expected £20bn of efficiency savings.
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