Ahead of the Spending Review, the RCP has called on the Chancellor to focus on long-term funding for public health and social care.
The Chancellor’s one year Spending Review on Wednesday 25 November will set out the government’s funding plans for the year ahead. In light of the issues highlighted by the pandemic, the Royal Collège of Physicians believes a focus on long-term funding for public health and social care is imperative.
Ahead of the Spending Review, please see our comment below.
Professor Andrew Goddard, president of the Royal College of Physicians said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated problems we’ve long been aware of, from workforce shortages to health inequalities. If the last year has taught us anything it’s the importance of getting these things right and making sure that we invest in them long-term.
“In next week’s Spending Review, we expect to see more investment in social care and public health. Further detail on how the government will meet its manifesto pledge to upgrade 20 hospitals would also be welcome.
"The Chancellor said earlier this year that the NHS would receive whatever it needed to cope with the pandemic – we hope that this remains the case beyond it too. The sad truth is that after the pandemic, health and social care is going to be even more stretched than before.
“Improvements in health and social care take time and need careful planning but this is incredibly difficult when funding isn’t factored in for the years ahead. A multi-year Comprehensive Spending Review is urgently needed to make long-term improvements underpinned by long-term funding.”