What does it mean for the NHS? Five takes on the election outcome
Here is the HJS’s take on the impact of a Conservative Government on the NHS.
1. Simon Stevens’ forward view vision is cemented as the NHS’s top priority. He has the support of the Government.
2. Service change: Pressing on with big changes to health services aimed at dramatically increasing productivity. Work will be accelerated on a wide spectrum of projects, from replacing traditional primary care with “multispecialty community providers”, to centralising acute hospital services, and using technology to cut workforce costs.
3. More money – but with questions and strings attached: The question is really when funding will hit the NHS and the Government’s demands on staff cost/productivity.
4. Less chance of swift structure or legislation change: The Health Act 2012 will be staying – at least for a while. Expect continued competition and a stronger Monitor.
5. Bad news for local government and social care: Tory fiscal plans suggest larger reductions in local authority social care and related budgets, mabye alleviated by spreading the better care fund?