The year ahead in Parliament
Tuesday, 02, Dec 2008 04:11
The year 2007 will be challenging for the NHS as the pace of reform continues apace in a climate of increasing cynicism about productivity and performance. Changes in Government, a new Prime Minister, increasing local opposition to the reconfiguration of services and the pressure to achieve financial balance and the 18-week target, all mean it will be a demanding time for the NHS and those working in it.
The Queens speech contained a busy legislative programme with two Bills announced that will have a direct impact on the NHS:
Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill
Mental Health Bill.
We will be working with members to gain their expertise and lobby parliamentarians.
The Spending Review 2007 will also be an important influencing priority for the public affairs team. The Spending Review which will be announced before October 2007 will set the financial framework for the NHS for three years beginning 08/09. The 10-year NHS Plan ends in the next spending review period. We will be working closely with the Treasury, the Department of Health and other stakeholder organisations such as the Kings Fund to ensure that the health service receives the funding it needs.
We are once again participating in the Health Hotel at the autumn party conferences.
For more details please visit www.healthhotel.org.uk.