Comment: New NHS funding welcome, but don’t forget essential repair costs

In response to a new £1.8 billion NHS proposal, Senior Solicitor, Sion Wynne is hopeful the government will include essential repair costs in their planning.

According to the announcement, 20 hospitals are to receive £850 million to improve patient care.

As a result, patients are to expect more beds, new equipment and additional wards.

Sion said.

The Prime Minister’s eye-catching NHS funding announcement seems to be him making good in advance of his promises.

Many medical injuries and deaths have links to poor patient care.

Also, many pressures reflect understaffing and a lack of funds.

So, overall, this is good news.

Speaking yesterday, the PM said:

The NHS is always there for us – free at the point of use for everyone in the country.

With our doctors and nurses working tirelessly day in day out, this treasured institution truly showcases the best of Britain.

That’s why it is my immediate task to make sure frontline services have the funding they need, to make a real difference to the lives of NHS staff, and above all, patients.

Today I’m delivering on this promise with a £1.8 billion cash injection – meaning more beds, new wards, and extra life-saving equipment to ensure patients continue to receive world-class care.

It’s time to face up to this challenge and make sure the NHS receives the funds it needs, to continue being the best healthcare service in the world.

However, there are reports less than half the amount will go towards funding new projects.

Ben Gershlick, from the Health Foundation charity, told Sky News:

‘Years of under-investment means the £1.8bn injection risks being little more than a drop in the ocean.’

Whilst, Sally Gainsbury, Senior Policy Analyst at the Nuffield Trust Think-tank, tweeted.

“…it’s the equivalent of giving someone cash then banning them from spending it, only to expect cheers of jubilation when you later decide they can spend it after all.”

On balance, Sion understands why there is a call for greater clarity.

£1 billion is mostly from NHS Trust savings.

Moreover, 6 billion is the apparent cost of essential repairs.

Therefore, there are understandably demands for a full review of comprehensive, long-term funding for the NHS.

For more information and a full breakdown of the proposal, visit:

www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-extra-18-billion-for-nhs-frontline-services