13.03.18
‘Urgent steps’ needed to ensure sustainable funding for health and social care
NHS staff have “worked tirelessly” since autumn in “very challenging” circumstances, the chancellor said in his Spring Statement today.
Although no additional funding was announced for the health service, Philip Hammond said that he hopes that management and unions can reach an agreement on a pay modernisation deal for Agenda for Change staff.
Last week the Department of Health and Social Care offered a 6.5% pay increase over three years in exchange for a day’s holiday each year.
Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers deputy chief executive, warned that the impact of underfunding and a lack of staff has been seen this winter.
She said: “It is encouraging that the Chancellor has acknowledged funding pressures faced by the NHS which mean the service can’t deliver the levels of patient care set out in the NHS constitution.”
Cordery added: “We need to see urgent steps put in train to ensure sustainable long-term funding for health and social care, because the current situation is unsustainable.
“It is also vital that any deal that is reached on pay is fully funded, as promised in the Budget.”
Top image: Stefan Rousseau PA Wire
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