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Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the healthcare sector, responded to NHS England and NHS Improvement’s Refreshing NHS Plans for 2018/19 document

“At least this is realistic – to have expected the NHS to deliver more than has been achieved  this year would have been to raise expectations and place further burdens on front line care. It will be an immense task just to stabilise the service in the coming financial year. 

“The current fragmented system makes things difficult for local leaders who want to act as system leaders but are constrained by organisational regulation.  The fact that this guidance recognises the pressures facing both those organisations which commission and those who deliver NHS services is therefore an important and welcome signal for all parts of the NHS.  

“But  we remain concerned that funding still comes with too many strings attached.  We must collectively make sure this money goes where it is needed most – patient care.

“We also fully support the continuing  focus on integration across health and social care and the emphasis on the evolution of ‘integrated care systems’. They are not and will not be panaceas, but they are necessary and we will support our members in helping to take this important reform forward.

“While the guidance provides a set of temporary solutions, we repeat our call for the government  and the rest of the political class to tackle the long term funding of both health and social care.  Nothing less is now acceptable.”

The NHS Confederation has brought together two independent organisations – the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Health Foundation – to conduct a comprehensive study into the funding needs of the UK’s health and care systems for the next 15 years.

Notes to editors:

• The NHS Confederation represents 85 per cent of NHS providers and commissioners. The organisation has nearly 500 members across health and social care, including hospitals, community and mental health providers, ambulance trusts and independent sector organisations providing NHS care. It is the only membership body to bring together and speak on behalf of the whole NHS.
• Follow the NHS Confederation press office on Twitter @NHSConfed_Press.
• A full list of NHS Confederation press releases and statements can be accessed at its media centre.
• For media queries, contact Neil Durham (Media and Communications Manager - 020 7799 8671 / neil.durham@nhsconfed.org); Charlotte George (Senior Media Officer - 020 7799 8664 / charlotte.george@nhsconfed.org) or Dan Keel (Head of Communications - 020 7799 8637 / daniel.keel@nhsconfed.org). For out-of-hours media enquiries, please call the Duty Press Officer on 07880 500 726.