Commenting on a new report on NHS funding from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and The Health Foundation, entitled, Securing the future: funding health and social care to the 2030s, George McNamara, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Independent Age, says:
“This is a stark reminder of the unsustainable impact of austerity on the NHS. Many parts of the health service are already over-stretched and struggling to meet demand as a result of this historically low investment. There is no doubt more funding is needed for the NHS, even just to maintain the current levels of provision. More of the same isn’t good enough and will not meet the health and care needs of older people. The government must be bold in its approach and create a health and social care service that meets the needs of the country, particularly the ageing population, and ensure that any new fundraising mechanisms are fair for all.”