This Wednesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak will set out the government’s spending review. We know difficult choices will have to be made because of the huge and unprecedented amount of government support this year for the millions of people impacted by the Coronavirus and its economic consequences. Ahead of the spending review, the Chancellor has announced an extra £3 billion for the NHS, part of which will tackle a backlog of operations, helping people to receive the medical care they need as soon as possible.
Our NHS has played a critical role in the response to Coronavirus, but we know how desperately difficult and distressing it’s been for patients who are waiting to have operations and medical treatment during the pandemic. This is why the government are providing an extra £3 billion for the NHS. This includes £1 billion to address backlogs, paying for up to one million extra checks, plus scans and additional operations for those who have had their treatment delayed; £1.5 billion to support existing pressures in the NHS; and a £500 million boost to mental health services. They are also investing £325 million in NHS diagnostics next year – helping diagnose patients with cancer and other serious illnesses.
As we head into winter, we know that this is traditionally the busiest time for the NHS and this year we have unique circumstances. I was therefore pleased to hear the Health Secretary announce that from 1 December, adults aged 50 to 64 will be entitled to a free flu vaccination, as part of an expanded and largest ever winter flu vaccination programme. This is in addition to all over-65s and other vulnerable groups.
As we face the twin threats of flu and Covid-19 in a unique winter, getting a flu jab is more important than ever this year. I strongly encourage everyone who qualifies to get it done, to protect yourself and protect our NHS. These can be accessed from your GP or pharmacy and it’s good to see that so far, flu vaccine uptake has been higher in almost all vulnerable groups compared to this time last year.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
25th November 2020
