Survival and support
Spending Review focuses on getting NHS back on its feet
The Chancellor announced investments for the NHS and research and development in yesterday’s Spending Review. The Spending Review sets out budgets for the coming 5 years, and is a key indication of Government priorities. Here at the BHF, we were pleased to see health prioritised and we hope that this translates into better care for heart patients as well as more funding for lifesaving research.
What it means for the BHF and heart patients
One of the major headlines of the Review was 3 per cent growth in day-to-day spending for the NHS in England, equivalent to a £29 billion increase in annual resource budgets, along with what Government states is a 20 per cent real-terms increase in capital budgets, which fund big-ticket items like new hospitals and equipment. £10 billion in funding for NHS technology and transformation was also announced, to improve the NHS app for patients and support the shift from analogue to digital.
What we think
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive said: “The Chancellor's Spending Review rightly focused on getting the NHS back on its feet and increasing support for the UK's science base which are vital for the UK’s health and wealth. This will be critical if Government is to deliver on its aim of reducing premature cardiovascular disease death.
“Investment in our health service has never been more vital, as the UK continues to grapple with an unprecedented heart care crisis. Alongside this, we are pleased to see investment in cutting edge fields such as AI and data science which can save lives and prevent heart disease in the future.
“This is a positive first step, but we now look ahead to the 10 Year Health Plan for more detail on how this funding will truly deliver better outcomes for heart patients and their loved ones.”
Research and Development
Additionally, the Chancellor clearly recognised the UK life sciences and university sector in her Spending Review. We are encouraged to hear about the £86 billion investment and support for research and development, including the £2 billion for Government’s AI Action Plan. However, we would have liked to see the Government be more ambitious in this area given the high-growth potential of the sector.
What’s next?
While on the surface this Spending Review sounds positive for health, a lot will hinge on how this money delivers improvements to our healthcare system. We will continue to call on Government to prioritise heart care through our Hearts Need More campaign.
Tackling cardiovascular disease will be critical to Government achieving their missions on Health and Growth so our priority is now to secure a commitment to a dedicated National Cardiovascular Disease Plan that sits beneath the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, expected in early July.
Support our Hearts Need More campaign