NHS England has called on the public, NHS staff and politicians to have an open and honest debate about the future shape of the NHS in order to meet rising demand, introduce new technology and meet the expectations of its patients. This is set against a backdrop of flat funding which, if services continue to be delivered in the same way as now, will result in a funding gap which could grow to £30bn over the next 7 years.
A new publication, 'The NHS belongs to the people: a call to action' at http://www.england.nhs.uk/2013/07/11/call-to-action/ sets out these challenges facing the NHS, including more people living longer with more complex conditions, increasing costs whilst funding remains flat and rising expectations of the quality of care. The document says clearly that the NHS must change to meet these demands and make the most of new medicines and technology and that it will not contemplate reducing or charging for core services.
We want to know what is important to you. Have your say.
You can provide feedback about the Call to Action direct to us, on our websites, at http://www.airedalewharfedalecravenccg.nhs.uk/ http://bradforddistrictsccg.nhs.uk/ and http://www.bradfordcityccg.nhs.uk/ via our feedback forms. On the Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven site you can post your comments on our virtual wall. To add you comment, just double click anywhere on the wall.
If you would like to give us more detailed feedback on the main challenges faced by the NHS these are set out below with some questions they raise. Please complete this questionnaire and return it to the address provided. Your views on these questions will help us plan for the future.