News / NHS Confederation calls for finance debate
The Budget repeated the Autumn Statement announcement of £2bn
of additional funding in 2015/16 to meet growing demand, improve services and kick-start the Five-year forward view. While welcoming
the funding, the confederation was concerned by a Commons Health Committee decision not to publish a report on NHS finances.
Confederation chief executive Rob Webster said a public debate was needed now.
‘We know this year will be tough for the NHS and the Budget confirms this,’ he said. ‘Years of punishing price cuts for providers such as hospitals are taking their toll on NHS care.
‘There is a good chance the additional money in commissioners’ budgets might only just cover the increase in demand, and be insufficient to cover improvements.’
The chancellor also allocated an additional £1.25bn over five years to children’s mental health services, including £1bn for new access standards and £118m by 2018/19 for the children and young people increasing access to psychological therapies programme.
He also announced boosts for veterans’ mental health services, air ambulances and blood bike charities.
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