Healthcare Policy

Rachel Reeves Promises New Funding for Extra Two Million NHS Appointments Per Year

Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has announced a budget to provide billions in new NHS funding, aiming to unlock two million extra appointments annually. This includes £1.5bn for surgical hubs and scanners, £70m for radiotherapy machines, and £1.8bn for elective appointments. Reeves emphasised the NHS as "the lifeblood of Britain" and acknowledged the challenge of reversing 14 years of underinvestment.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting admitted the additional funds might not prevent winter crises or avoidable deaths, highlighting the need for reform and modern equipment. Tax rises are expected to prevent austerity, with potential increases in employer national insurance, capital gains, and inheritance tax. Critics argue Labour must continue NHS reforms rather than just consultations, as the government faces scrutiny over its definition of "working people."

Leading Voices 📣

Highlights from the LGA Conference: What’s Next for Local Government?

Pippa Barlow from Agilisys recently shared insights from the LGA Annual Conference in Harrogate, focusing on the critical issues currently facing Local Government. Here are three key takeaways:

• SEND System Reform: There’s an urgent need for change as demand on SEND services continues to rise, while resources struggle to keep pace.

• Supporting an Ageing Population: Nearly 63% of councils exceeded their Adult Social Care budgets last year. With demand growing, sustainable solutions are essential.

• The Role of Technology: Embracing tech innovations, Local Government is paving the way for more efficient and personalised services to tackle these challenges.

🔗 Check out Pippa’s full post for a deeper dive into the discussion on reshaping services for the future.

Live Event

Autumn Budget 2024 and AI - How Will Your Organisation Evolve?

With the UK public sector’s digital transformation well underway, the Autumn Budget 2024 brings a pivotal 6.5% funding increase for digital reforms, reinforcing the Government’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation (2022-2025). This budget marks a decisive moment for a digital-first public sector and raises the question: will your organisation be part of this transformation?

Agilisys is hosting The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges on 25th November 2024 - a must-attend live broadcast for public sector professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging changes and opportunities.

Our panel of specialists will explore real-world AI applications for addressing some of the public sector’s greatest challenges, from budget constraints and outdated systems to increasing demand for efficiency. You’ll gain actionable strategies to implement AI solutions that drive immediate impact.

What you’ll gain:

• TL;DR Summary for Your Team: Receive a concise summary of key discussion points, perfect for sharing.

• Exclusive Early Access: Get early access to the video recording and content pieces generated from the event.

• Connections with Experts: Engage with AI leaders, digital transformation experts, and public sector innovators.

Be part of the transformation.

Healthcare Policy

CQC Report Highlights Urgent Need for Health and Social Care Reform

The CQC's report on health and social care in England reveals ongoing challenges, with leaders highlighting underfunding and resource shortages. Vic Rayner of NCF stresses the need for investment in community services and workforce strategies to support independence and reduce acute service demand. The report lacks focus on the CQC's regulatory role, which is crucial for a well-organised system.

Helen Walker of Carers UK and Minesh Patel of Mind express concerns over unpaid carers' pressures and mental health service inadequacies. Natasha Curry of Nuffield Trust and Caroline Abrahams of Age UK call for urgent reforms and funding to address systemic issues, while Hugh Alderwick of the Health Foundation urges the government to act on its reform promises.

Healthcare Technology

NHS Faces Financial Crisis, Potential Service Cuts Loom

The NHS is projected to face a £4.8 billion overspend this financial year, primarily due to unplanned staff pay increases, according to the Nuffield Trust. Without additional funding, cuts to services, including public health and technology, are likely, contradicting Labour's plans to enhance these areas.

The Nuffield Trust emphasises that Chancellor Rachel Reeves must increase the health budget by 3.6% to manage current cost pressures. More funding will be necessary in the long term to address staffing needs and the demands of an ageing population. Despite recent budget top-ups, unprecedented efficiency savings are required to avoid further cuts.