Action on NHS funding and visas is good news, but need to watch the detail closely

Commenting on the relaxing of visa rules for doctors, Nuffield Trust Chief Executive Nigel Edwards said:

“The denial of visas to doctors due to the cap system has been very damaging for NHS trusts and patients who have been deprived of the highly qualified staff they need. It is excellent news that Government has now removed these obstacles, for both doctors and nurses, in part due to the relentless pursuit of this issue by notable figures within the health service.

“Attention should now shift to social care. It is currently under even more strain than the NHS, and today’s announcement does nothing to help the staffing shortfall these vital services face if Brexit cuts off European migration.”

On the NHS funding settlement, due to emerge shortly, Nigel Edwards said:

“The imminent NHS funding announcement is a tremendous opportunity to provide the health service with the funds it needs to meet patient need in the future. As we and others have said, this needs to be around 4% per year above inflation unless we are to see a deterioration in patient care.

“We will be watching closely when the announcement is made to ensure any deal is adequate. As well as the level of spend, this means a settlement that applies to the overall health budget, including capital spending and public health - both of which have been raided in recent years to fund day to day services[1]. We also need to remember that extra money and easier migration, while important, are no substitute for the health system finally starting to train enough of its own staff and hold onto those it has.

“We must now see similarly bold action on social care. Unless we can find a solution to the conundrum of how to fund long term care, attempts to sustain and improve the NHS will be in jeopardy.”