Technology and innovation are key to saving the NHS | Alan Milburn

Technology and innovation are key to saving the NHS | Alan Milburn Throwing money at healthcare is not enough – we need to take advantage of advances in knowledge to better target care

The NHS is the core of our care system. It has remarkable strengths and, by international standards, is as competitive, efficient and – in outcomes per pound spent – as good as anything in the world. But, as is becoming increasingly clear, it faces formidable challenges. The population is ageing. Chronic diseases such as diabetes are becoming more prevalent and already absorb most of the NHS budget. Costs are rising but budgets and funding are not. Since it was created, the NHS budget has risen by 3.7% in real terms each year. In the last few years it has grown by less than half that rate. The impact on performance and waiting times is obvious. Continue reading... The Guardian