What does the general election mean for our healthcare system?

  Politics is an intrinsic element to all areas of society, and the policies within party manifestos will inevitably shape the NHS and impact the care and quality of our medical institutions. It is no secret that hospital hallways are becoming more accustomed to patients and doctors are under increasing amounts of stress, so it is salient that the party taking office on June the 8th can take the necessary steps to help ease the pressures. Although, it is not just about the NHS itself, the care of the UK’s elderly population is an element of the Conservative manifesto which is dividing voters.

  An element present in the three main parties is additional funding for the NHS, with the Conservative party claiming spending will ‘rise by £6 billion in real terms’ by 2022, yet where the money will from for this is unsure, so it comes with ambiguity as to whether or not it can definitely be implemented. Furthermore, NHS bosses have said that the money May is offering is simply not enough, alongside the British Medical Association Chair Dr Mark porter saying that 'the extra £8bn touted in this manifesto for the NHS is smoke and mirrors.’ Juxtaposing this is both the Labour party and the Liberal Democrats, each committing to £6 billion a year, with Labour doing so by taxing the highest earners in society and the Liberals placing one penny on income tax for everyone. Although, the vital question is whether or not they can fulfil their promise; the Conservatives may appear more money conscious, but it may be a more realistic plan.

 Interestingly, the Conservatives have also pledged a new GP contract, something of much controversy for doctors in recent years, with May placing more accountability with doctors for the care of their patients, and pledging to give support in enabling GP’s to offer more ‘innovative services’ namely using online and telephone consultations. Most importantly, Theresa May has faced the most controversy with her ‘difficult but necessary’ plan to introduce the practice of more wealthy elderly people having to pay for their own social care in the home and will lose universal benefits as opposed to the council covering the cost of visits from health care workers. Many feel this is not sympathetic to those who have worked all their lives, paid taxes and are being faced with the cost of their care at a vulnerable time in their lives. However, it very much mirrors Corbyn’s policy to tax the highest earners in society to fund the NHS; in order for the government to support the people that need the most help, it makes the most sense to make cuts that do need to be made from those who will feel the effects the least.

However, many people may still feel let down and so drawn to the Labour manifesto. Within it, there is a heavy emphasis on ensuring A & E waiting times are decreased, increasing NHS funds adequately to ensure the growing issue of there not being enough beds for patients is tackled as well as also adding funds to GP clinics and ensuring particularly deprived areas have access to pharmacy services. However, offering large sums of money may seem appealing at a time of crisis, but the future consequences on the economy and whether or not the promises are sustainable must also be taken into account. Theresa May has said that she must make ‘difficult decisions that are right for Britain in the long term’.

Please let us know your thoughts on the manifestos and which party you think has offered the best healthcare plan!


Vicale Czan Alfanti

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/may/18/conservative-party-manifesto-theresa-may-the-panel
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/may/17/theresa-may-conservative-tory-policy-older-people-pay-for-social-care
http://www.gponline.com/tory-manifesto-accelerates-seven-day-gp-access-patients/article/1433974

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