Health Foundation announces project with the BBC to mark 70 years of the NHS

To mark the 70^th anniversary of the NHS, the Health Foundation will be working with a group of leading independent research organisations including the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust on a project with the BBC.

The group will be coming together to address five of the most important questions facing the NHS as it turns 70, the first time all four organisations have come together in this way.

They will be exploring the following questions:

• how good is the NHS?
• does the NHS need more money?
• are we expecting too much from the NHS?
• how can we do better on social care?
• what will new technology mean for the NHS and its patients?

The group will be producing independent analysis, which will be a major contribution to the national conversation around the NHS at 70, and will help to inform the BBC's coverage of the NHS at a crucial time. It will be published in late June, shortly before the anniversary.

Jennifer Dixon, Health Foundation Chief Executive, said:

‘We are pleased to be working with the BBC and colleagues from across the sector to shine a light on some of the key questions facing the NHS. In order to sustain and improve it, more effective ways to accelerate change are critical. The NHS was a great gift to the nation and has been a central pillar of security in our society for 70 years; its values still chime with today’s population and its popularity rightly endures. But as we celebrate we must look forwards not backwards to make the most of opportunities ahead. This includes understanding and harnessing new technologies, new models of care, and other innovations to help improve health and care so that the NHS is in good shape to celebrate its centenary.’

Media contact

Peter Stilwell, Senior External Affairs Manager

Peter.stilwell@health.org.uk

020 7664 4647