Policy Forum is a collaboration between Pfizer and the New Statesman
Question time: the future direction of the NHS
Thank you. And so to the questions. Johnny Marshall is the chief executive of the National Association for Primary Care (NAPC).
Jonathan Dimbleby
Q...
I do not see a fundamental reason why we should not be able to sustain a free and comprehensive healthcare service. However, when you compare...
Andrew Lansley CBE MP
Read the discussion in full
Taking Care of Health
10 May 2010
Over the past decade, spending on the NHS has risen by more than 50 per cent and the proportion of the GDP devoted to it is now close to the EU average of about 10 per cent.
However, the NHS faces a financial black hole of some £15bn-£20bn over the next five years, as it seeks to deliver the necessary efficiency savings required as a consequence of the economic downturn. This enormous challenge comes at a time when the NHS needs to respond to the healthcare demands of ageing baby-boomers.
On 29 April, just one week before the 2010 general election, the New Statesman and Pfizer brought together the current and potential future health ministers of the three main political parties for a timely discussion about the future of health in the UK.
The Tories may endanger your health
By the time Labour left office all patients were treated within 18 weeks. Plans for the health service will dismantle this. Rarely have proposed “reforms” alarmed so many professionals from every political corner.
Policy Forum Update
DebatesOn Thursday 29th April, the Policy Forum hosted Andy Burnham, Secretary of State for Health, Mark Simmonds, Shadow Health Minister (Conservatives), and Norman Lamb MP, Shadow Spokesperson for Health (Liberal Democrats) at an exciting pre-election Question Time debate. The debate was chaired by Ed Stourton, Broadcaster and Writer.
Features
The film of our recent high-profile event - 'Taking Care of Health' - is now available on our You Tube channel. Hear from members from the three main political parties debate the most pressing healthcare issues of the day, with questions from Civitas, LSE, National Voices, Mind and The Royal College of Paediatrics amongst others.
Reports
Our most recent round table discussion - 'Nurturing Innovation in the NHS' - was held on Friday 11th December. Jim Easton, National Director for Improvement and Efficiency at the NHS, was joined by 6 distinguished panellists to debate the issues of innovation in the NHS; what it means, how receptive the NHS is to innovation and whether a tighter fiscal environment will drive or hinder innovation. The special report from was published on 18th January. Download the full report from the Reports section.
Health News
From eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform
Swine flu outbreak confirmed in Scotland
07/31/2010
Latest eGov monitor Feature: Enhanced Relationship Between UK And India Is Mutually Beneficial And Would Benefit The World
07/31/2010
Government Launches Consultation To Help Improve Care Services For Adults With Autism
07/31/2010
All Scottish Public Services Should Face Spending Cut Scrutiny Says Independent Panel
07/31/2010
The E-Health Industries Innovation (EHi2) Centre For Wales
07/31/2010
About Policy Forum
The healthcare sector is undergoing significant change both in the UK and across the world, and the impacts resulting from these changes are far-reaching. Opening up dialogue and generating discussion amongst a wide-range of stakeholders is crucial to managing this process and building sustainable and successful reform for the future.
The New Statesman & Pfizer Policy Forum programme aims to encourage such a dialogue, bringing together leading opinion formers from across industry, government, regulators, think tanks, academics, professional, patient and consumer groups and the media to discuss the big issues facing the healthcare sector today.
Find out just how hard it is to keep the nation healthy - and under budget!
Play the New Statesman's Fantasy Health Minister game!
“This website is owned and hosted by the New Statesman, and has been supported by Pfizer. With the exception of any opinions expressed by Pfizer employees at Policy Forum meetings and reported on this website, the articles published on this website are not necessarily endorsed by Pfizer, who have no editorial control of this website”.