News and press releases

LONDON, UK, 12 February, 2010 - A funding crunch, increased waiting times and rising demands for better social care, as well as a "weary and demoralised" NHS workforce, awaits whichever political party wins the next General Election, according to a study on the future challenges facing Britain’s healthcare system.

‘Doing more with less - Britain’s healthcare funding challenges’ is a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by BMI Healthcare, the UK’s largest independent provider of private healthcare.

The report looks at the major hurdles facing an incoming administration and the fine balance which will be required in reducing the UK’s debt levels while meeting growing healthcare demand.

The report states that the combination of an ageing population, huge increases in demand for more and better social care as well as a steady rise in incidence of chronic diseases such as obesity related illnesses, will place immense pressure on already strained healthcare budgets.

A reduction in Government spending is also predicted to impact adversely the NHS’ battle to reduce waiting lists and tough decisions will have to be made on how scarce financial resources will be spread among a host of state-of-the-art but costly medical technologies.

The report also warns that public sector pay-freezes, or reductions, coupled with likely spending cuts will further demoralise the NHS workforce which is already weary from years of constant reorganisation and might be resistant to further major change.

In conclusion the report calls for:
•  A reduction in interference in institutions and structure
•  Greater empowerment and decision-making at local levels
•  Less focus on targets and more on building partnerships between the public and private sector
•  New thinking on funding and a growing role for the private sector

Adrian Fawcett, Chief Executive of BMI Healthcare, said: “We are now clearly at cross-roads in healthcare provision in the UK. Continuing with the traditional political rhetoric and NHS flag-waving disguises the problems we are already facing.

“It’s imperative we start using the healthcare assets that are currently available more efficiently and not burdening the tax payer further by continually investing in more buildings and equipment when the existing stock is not being used efficiently. There is much opportunity to use private, charity and NHS facilities so much more effectively.

“Our politicians need to face these issues head on. It is untenable to think that we can carry on as before, expecting the NHS to meet the changing healthcare needs of the UK on its own.”

Iain Scott, senior editor, Economist Intelligence Unit, said: “Our research has identified several important policy steps, which could help relieve some of the cost and demand pressures from British healthcare.

“However, healthcare is an emotional issue - policymakers will need the support of politicians, who in turn must be brave enough to discuss healthcare matters honestly and openly with a public which will not tolerate any reduction in standards of care.”

To view the report in full, please click here.