PERSHORE’S MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a five year plan for the NHS which will see an additional £20 billion a year spent on improving services.
The announcement is timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NHS and the long-term funding commitment will see a rise in real terms funding of 3.4 per cent.
In return for this investment, the Government will ask NHS leaders to produce a new ten-year plan, led by clinicians and professionals, and supported by local health and care systems across the country.
The plan will set out a long-term vision for the health service and ensure every penny is well spent, while waste and inefficiencies are reduced.
“The NHS has been there for us whenever we need it for 70 years, and this historic funding announcement is a fitting birthday present for our world-renowned health service,” she said.
“This extra funding commitment is a strong show of support for our hard-working doctors and nurses who work in the local NHS and who do an amazing job looking after us and our loved ones.
“A long-term plan will ensure the NHS is fit to support us for the next 70 years and beyond. It will be led by professionals, with input from the public and patients, and set out a sustainable and efficient vision for our health service.”
A host of celebrations have been held to mark seven decades of healthcare free at the point of access and Pershore Abbey turned blue on Thursday evening to pay a unique tribute.
The floodlighting was adjusted for one night only alongside other landmarks across Britain for a unique birthday present to the service organised by NHS England.
A number of the congregation and members of Pershore Abbey work or have worked for the Health Service, including midwives, nurses and doctors.
Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “The reason why the health service does so well is frankly due to the brilliance of the staff.
“And it’s frankly because of the staff that the nation has just recommitted to the idea of a health service [that is] there when you need us, based on how sick you are, not whether you can afford us – a principle that has stood the test of time.”
