06.12.12
Small comforts
The Autumn Statement has several important implications for the health service, including the rejection of regional pay – welcomed by many unions and campaigners – protection of departmental spending and the introduction of a new model of private financing that could be used to facilitate new projects on the NHS.
However, many health professionals were quick to highlight the issues that weren’t mentioned in George Osborne’s budget. The lack of information on the Dilnot proposals indicates a certain sluggishness in Government, and given the critical nature of the challenge of funding social care, many will express their anger over the continuing delay.
And even the news that the NHS will not have its budget cut is small comfort when the health service is still facing staggering efficiency savings targets and an increase in demand.
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Image c. Kjetilr