The NHS is well into its more austere decade ever, whilst funding for social care has declined every year since 2010. The system has attempted to respond to this crunch in resources by increasing productivity – which it has done – but there is now overwhelming evidence that it is also resulting in growing deficits; increased waiting times and the re-emergence of rationing.
This paper argues that without further investment in health and care there the health and care service will continue to lag behind the curve. Better quality care will be technically and scientifically possible but will not be delivered without an increase in funding.
