The NHS Confederation is to conduct a ‘comprehensive study’ into the funding needs of the UK’s health and care systems for the next 15 years.
The Confederation, which represents 85% of NHS providers and commissioners, will team up with two independent organisations – the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Health Foundation – in order to undertake the study.
Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: ‘As just about everyone recognises the pressures on the health and care system are becoming intolerable.
‘Now is the time to have an objective assessment of what we need over the next 10 to 15 years to stimulate debate about what we as a society are willing to pay for and what we can expect from our health and care system.’
The study will seek to identify the challenges faced by health and care services, and to recommend measures to be taken when moving forward. The NHS Confederation hopes the research will influence political debate.
‘We see this important, independent assessment as a first step towards achieving a more rounded and considered debate about the long-term future of these vital services,’ said Mr Dickson.
The first of two reports will examine UK spending patterns since 2002. It will also provide spending projections for required funding until 2032.
Anita Charlesworth, Director of Research at the Health Foundation, said: ‘The Health Foundation’s contribution to this important work will include projections of the funding and workforce pressures facing the NHS over the next 15 years.’
The report will also compare the UK’s spending record with other, similar countries and will suggest potential methods of raising additional funding.
Paul Johnson, Director at the IFS, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with the Health Foundation and the NHS Confederation to help provide some of the necessary analysis.’