Future funding plans for NHS set out

NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are set to receive 164 billion pounds in funding for 2009 to 2011, according to health secretary Alan Johnson.

The investment is a 5.5 per cent increase over both years – treble that of before 1997.

As a result, funding will rise to an average of 1,612 pounds per person, with PCTs able to control a greater proportion of the money.

According to the Department of Health, the NHS’s top priorities in today’s Operating Framework are to improve standards of cleanliness, advance access to therapy, progress with care for cancer and stroke sufferers, develop patient experience, staff satisfaction and engagement and have better preparation in case of any emergencies.

Health secretary Alan Johnson said: “In its 60th year, the NHS is in good shape and treating more patients.”

“We will sustain our investment in the health service over the next two years, as the NHS continues to deliver significant improvements against key priorities.”

Last week, the NHS released results of its fifth quarterly practice survey.

Covering a sample of surgeries from each PCT, the study was conducted between September and November 2008 and found 62 per cent support practice-based commissioning.