NHS funding a major issue in the coming election

By Candy Lashkari

The state of the British economy has made the cut backs in NHS funding a major issue in the coming election. However no matter what the posturing is right now, and no politician wants to be seen making cuts here, there may be no other viable alternatives. No matter who forms the government after 6^th May, they will be under great strain to keep their earlier promises of no health fund cuts.

The NHS is a big factor in the financial budget. The budget for England stands at £102bn. It is a figure which has been growing with each passing budget as the average expenditure on health services increases. The last decade has seen a growth of 6.6% in the budget for health. Unfortunately it seems unlikely that the next government is going to be able to continue that trend of growth.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown received a standing ovation from the delegates of the Royal College of Nursing annual conference in Bournemouth as he clarified that the planned increase in national insurance next year was to protect the NHS. He expressed his gratefulness to the members of the nursing profession for when his daughter, Jennifer Jane died at 10 days old after being born prematurely.

Accompanied by his wife Sarah, who watched as Brown told the conference delegates that, “We feel like parents who have been in the presence of angels dressed in nurses' uniforms, performing the most amazing works of mercy and care, and I will never forget seeing in real time every minute of the day that idea of service and selflessness.”

The Brown’s younger son, Fraser is also known to have cystic fibrosis. Prime Minister Brown also highlighted his plans for offering home births and palliative care besides more home care for cancer patients in his speech.

The Royal College of Nursing chief executive and general secretary, Peter Carter stressed on ensuring that the foundation trusts included clinicians while making decisions which would affect patient care.

“Today’s report contains some alarming findings that suggest foundation trusts are not living up to their promise to provide an opportunity to engage staff and patients in a meaningful way. Too many [service reconfiguration] decisions are made without …clinical staff. Too often they’re made for financial considerations as opposed to clinical considerations.” said Peter Carter.

The foundation trusts that were set up in 2004 were aimed at encouraging local accountability and autonomy. However they have been coming in for severe criticism for the arbitrary actions and decisions that they have been taking.