We all know that the NHS is under pressure. We are pumping in more money than ever before, a real terms increase each year, but the pressures increase. There are more doctors and nurses but the pressures increase. The NHS is carrying out more operations each year but the pressure increases. Why?
The main reason is the rapidly changing demographic of our nation. We are living so much longer and people who go on into their nineties tend to require regular medical attention. This is a success story but it comes with challenging implications. On top of this, our lifestyles are becoming increasingly unhealthy – especially in relation to food and drink; resulting in many more obese people and acute liver disease.
What is the solution? It is surely time for a mature grown-up cross-party debate about how we fund this much loved treasure in the future. I am not sure that we can much longer go on as we are. The NHS must remain free at the point of use, that is the essence of this national asset, but how do we fund it? Should we continue to rely on general taxation only, or introduce new hypothecated taxes (ie additional taxes that can only be used to support the NHS) or do we look at the Continental models which tend to be a combination between general taxation and individual insurance?
The trouble is as soon as these legitimate questions are raised, there are those who shout: The Tories want to privatise our NHS – and we take flight from serious and much needed discussion. So nothing ever changes. We do not wish to privatise the NHS. In 2010, 5% of its services were delivered by private sector organisations (like Peninsula Medical Centre). That number has risen now to 6%!
There is a real and growing problem with primary care. Few people now want to be a GP and especially a partner in a GP practice which was the old model. This means that recruitment into the primary care sector in Plymouth and Devon is very difficult. This is a new challenge, because even a few years ago, a vacancy in our part of the world would have been sought after.
Doctors and nurses are performing wonderfully. Many constituents contact me about the positive experience they had at the hands of the NHS. But you sense that the walls are moving in and new solutions must be explored.