Challenging time ahead for NHS as recession bites and health problems increase

The difficult economic climate combined with tighter funding makes the outlook for the NHS challenging, two former health secretaries have warned.

Patricia Hewitt, who resigned as health secretary in 2007, said the recession would add to the existing pressures caused by an ageing population, lifestyle diseases, and the public’s rising expectations from health care.

She told an audience of health managers, “We are in a serious economic downturn and it’s going to get very difficult indeed in the New Year.” The recession would lead to an increase in depression, stress, …