What does it 
mean for the NHS? Five takes on the election outcome
mean for the NHS? Five takes on the election outcomeHere 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?