RCS response to Simon Stevens' Public Accounts Committee comments
11 Jan 2017
Responding to Simon Stevens’ call for extra funding for social care and the NHS at the Public Accounts Committee, Clare Marx, President of the Royal College of Surgeons, said:
‘The head of NHS England is absolutely right to speak truth to power about the huge pressure the health and social care sectors are under. The NHS and our care homes have now passed a tipping point where they can no longer keep up with the demand we face throughout the year. The stresses being reported in A&E are just one aspect of what is faced on a daily basis in every part of the health service.
“With Brexit and an uncertain economic outlook facing the country, we fully understand why there may be a reluctance to provide further funding. However, it is clear that we can’t go on fire fighting and rapid support is needed while being clear about what the NHS and care services can or can’t provide. More money isn’t the only solution, but it is an important part of it.
“Social care funding is particularly urgent and it is welcome news that the Cabinet Office is now conducting a review of how to put it on a sustainable long-term footing. The same needs to happen for the health service and we continue to support calls for a cross-party commission to reach agreement on a sustainable future.
“Simon Stevens has provided important leadership to the health service, particularly through his articulation of the Five Year Forward View. As the NHS continues the battle of winter, it needs its commander-in-chief at the helm.”
Notes to editors
The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.
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