Health Select Committee hears evidence for Public Expenditure Inquiry

On Tuesday 25 November 2014, the Health Select Committee, of which Valerie is a member, heard evidence from David Hare, Chief Executive, NHS Partners Network, Chris Hopson, Chief Executive, Foundation Trust Network, and Professor Terence Stephenson, Chair, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, .
Valerie said:

“NHS England’s Five Year Forward View proposed seven new models for healthcare in terms of transformation and innovation. I am not clear how they would be funded. This would also create many different types of relationships between primary and secondary care providers across the country. It is not clear if these new models will create efficiencies and are better for the patient. It is important to put in place the best structure for patients rather than these new rigid models. The NHS needs to learn from best practice from across the country and pull all the expertise together.”

“There is a gap in the NHS budget that will need to be addressed. Efficiency savings will need to be made from the NHS, but also the treasury will need to increase the budget. I was disappointed to hear that the sale of NHS land is being considered as an option to reduce this budget gap. This is a short term, one off option, this will not help the NHS in the long term.”

More information of the Health Select Committee’s inquiry into public expenditure on health and social care can be found here: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/public-expenditure2/