New Prime Minister needs a plan to prevent the cost-of-living crisis becoming a health crisis

Commenting on the new Prime Minister, Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, said: 

‘The new Prime Minister must act quickly and decisively to tackle a cost-of-living crisis that has significant implications for people’s health, and support a health and care service creaking at the seams.   

‘Addressing chronic workforce shortages in the NHS and social care must be the immediate priority for the government, along with investment to expand services and tackle unmet need. Compared to many other European countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands we spend far less on health care per person, and have done so for decades. Ultimately, the level of public spending on health and social care is a political choice. The nation’s health should be seen as an asset worth investing in. 

‘Public support for the core principles of the NHS remains very strong. The government needs to address immediate critical issues like workforce shortages and investment in services and infrastructure, but for the medium term should define its programme for the NHS by supporting the health system to innovate and improve, including by exploiting digital technology to drive faster improvement in health and care.  

‘Without further support, the outlook looks very bleak for people and public services this winter. The new Prime Minister must urgently come forward with a plan to prevent the cost-of-living crisis becoming a health crisis.’

Media contact

Emily Wilson 
emily.wilson@health.org.uk