Rachel Reeves announces more details of NHS funding plan

Siva Anandaciva, chief analyst at The King’s Fund, said there was still more work to do.

“The sums announced today must be the first but not final word if the government is going to meet its ambitions to deliver an NHS that is fit for the future.”

The existing backlog of NHS maintenance issues with building and equipment already stands at a “staggering” £13.8bn, he said.

Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers deputy chief executive, said the funding was a “welcome addition”, but warned the service needed “significantly more investment”.

“This has to be a long term endeavour, not just the investment in capital but in running costs. The two need to go hand in hand,” she told the BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.

In addition to investment, the NHS also needs enough staff to take on extra shifts, which is a challenge when vacancies are high and staff are feeling overworked and under pressure.

The government said Wednesday’s budget would set out its plans for fixing the NHS and rebuilding Britain.

A Conservative Party spokesman said: “We delivered record funding, overhauled productivity and delivered the first NHS Long Term Workforce Plan to support the health service recover from the pandemic and respond to a growing and ageing population.

“If Labour are serious about ensuring the NHS delivers for patients, they must continue this reform instead of holding yet further consultations. The health secretary promised no more money without reform – but where is it?”

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokeswoman Helen Morgan said: “Until the government gets a grip of social care, hospitals will remain overwhelmed, and patients will pay the price.”