The increase for England equates to a 5.5 per cent increase from last year, taking the total primary care budget up to £74.2 billion.
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: ‘From next year, 82 per cent of the total NHS revenue budget will be in the hands of the frontline NHS, up from 72 per cent in 1996/97.’
The announcement comes as the Operating Framework for the NHS is published. It sets out the key priorities for the NHS in its 60th anniversary year, which are:
- Improving access through achievement of the 18 week referral to treatment and better access to GP services
- Keeping adults and children well, improving their overall health and reducing health inequalities
- Preparing to respond in a state of emergency such as an outbreak of pandemic flu
- Improving cleanliness and reducing hospital associated infections
- Improving patient experience, staff satisfaction and engagement
tom.ireland@haymarket.com
The 2008-09 Operating Framework
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