RSPH has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an increase in funding for the NHS of £20 billion by 2023. However, RSPH has stressed the importance of an integrated approach to funding and equal investment in public health, social care and prevention programmes. 

Shirley Cramer, CBE, Chief Executive, RSPH said: “While the announcement of this extra funding for the NHS is undoubtedly positive, time and time again we have seen investment in public health and social care overlooked when dealing with health budgets. It is clear prevention must be given greater priority if we are to avoid stoking up problems for the NHS in the future. 

“Investing in prevention is the only way to make our health service truly sustainable. For every £1 of investment in public health interventions, there is a return of £14 in savings to the public purse, while progressive legislation such as the ban on smoking in public places is estimated to save the NHS £380 million a year.  

“In order to reduce the burden on the NHS and allow people to live healthier and happier lives, we must take an integrated approach to funding: looking at public health, social care and the NHS together, to tackle the fundamental challenges our services face.”