What are the health and care promises that the new Prime Minister inherits? (Nuffield Trust, 6 September 2022)

Summary

With Liz Truss becoming the new Prime Minister today after winning the Tory leadership contest, what are the health and care commitments from the 2019 Conservative Party Manifesto that she inherits? Mark Dayan, Lucina Rolewicz and Jessica Morris explore the progress of the main health and care promises that were made. Which are on course to be delivered and which are not?

Content

We will build and fund 40 new hospitals over the next 10 years

Verdict: Not on course to be delivered.

Between 2018 and 2023, we will have raised funding for the NHS by 29% 

Verdict: Depends on the Prime Minister’s decisions.

50,000 more nurses by the end of this parliament

Verdict: Could still be delivered.

6,000 more doctors in general practice and 26,000 more primary care health professionals by the end of this parliament

Verdict: not on course to be delivered for doctors; on course to be delivered for primary care health professionals.

50 million extra general practice appointments a year by 2024/25

Verdict: Not on course to be delivered, but may be achievable.

Reform social care to give every person the dignity and security that they deserve

Verdict: Not on course to be delivered.