The RCP has responded to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget.
The government’s Spring Budget yesterday committed to £2.5bn of extra revenue funding for the NHS budget in England for the 2024/25 financial year. This will be welcome news for colleagues but as we have consistently said, it is long-term investment in our healthcare services – in the workforce and to improve crumbling facilities – that will ultimately provide the most reassurance for staff and patients.
The government also pledged £3.4bn of capital investment for technology-related investments over the next parliament as part of an NHS productivity plan. With many of us constantly frustrated with the quality of basic IT equipment, this is a welcome announcement. It is imperative that this funding sees outdated IT systems updated, and that staff are provided with any equipment and ongoing training required to make the most of new systems. We know all too well that we need to free up clinician and patient time to improve outcomes and experiences.
The Budget also announced new duties on vaping and tobacco. While this will help to reduce the harm caused by smoking, we urge the government to bring forward the promised legislation on tobacco and vapes to begin paving the way for a smoke-free generation.
Once again there was little on social care. Governments need to stop ducking this issue; it’s core to resolving wider issues with the NHS.