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Creating the NHS was the greatest act of modernisation ever achieved by a Labour Government. It banished the fear of becoming ill that had for years blighted the lives of millions of people. But I know that one of the main reasons people elected a new Government on May 1st was their concern that the NHS was failing them and their families. In my contract with the people of Britain I promised that we would rebuild the NHS. We have already made a start. The Government is putting an extra £1.5 billion into the health service during the course of this year and next. More money is going into improving breast cancer and children's services. And new hospitals are being built. The NHS will get better every year so that it once again delivers dependable, high quality care - based on need, not ability to pay.
This White Paper marks a turning point for the NHS. It replaces the internal market with integrated care. We are saving £1 billion of red tape and putting that money into frontline patient care. For the first time the need to ensure that high quality care is spread throughout the service will be taken seriously. National standards of care will be guaranteed. There will be easier and swifter access to the NHS when you need it. Our approach combines efficiency and quality with a belief in fairness and partnership.
As we approach the fiftieth anniversary of the NHS, it is time to reflect on the huge achievements of the NHS. But in a changing world no organisation, however great, can stand still. The NHS needs to modernise in order to meet the demands of today's public. This White Paper begins a process of modernisation. The NHS will start to provide new and better services to the public. For example, a nurse-led helpline to provide advice round the clock. And new technology that links GP surgeries to any specialist centre in the country.
In short, I want the NHS to take a big step forward and become a modern and dependable service that is once more the envy of the world.
Of course we must get the funding right. The Government has already put large extra sums into the NHS, and will raise spending in real terms every year. With that money comes a responsibility within the service to change. To produce better care. Care when you need it. Care of uniformly high standards.
It is a big challenge but I am confident that with the support of the public, the dedication of NHS staff and the backing of the Government we can again create an NHS that is truly a beacon to the world.
Tony Blair
Prime Minister
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| Book Title: The New NHS White Paper | ||