Next Steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View: A lot to be welcomed but difficult trade-offs ahead

Responding today to the publication today by NHS England of the Next Steps on the NHS Five Year Forward View, Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation said:

'There’s a lot to be welcomed in this report. Despite the huge financial pressure the NHS is under, there is obvious progress in areas that matter to patients, for example cancer care and care for people with mental health problems. But the report is also honest. It says there are still large efficiency savings to be made, in particular through achieving more joined up care for older people with complex conditions.

'There will be difficult trade-offs ahead. Some patients may have to face longer waits for non-urgent surgery, such as for cataracts and hip operations, so that others can be seen quickly in A&E. Some patients may have delayed access to the latest NICE approved drugs, if investment is redirected to community services.  

'Public support for the NHS remains high. But if the inevitable compromises that have to be made given the financial squeeze become too severe, then the government may need to rethink its sharp slowdown in funding growth for the NHS. This slowdown, together with inadequate funding for social care, may stall not speed-up the improvements to care which the public rightly expect.'

Media contact

Creina Lilburne
creina.lilburne@health.org.uk
0207 257 8027