Hull is to receive £28,352,353 to fund key local health services.
The Government has announced a £200m funding boost to the Public Health Grant, making more money available to fund local services such as addiction recovery schemes, sexual health clinics, and school nurses.
With the additional £200m, the Public Health Grant’s total has been increased to £3.858bn, a 3% real terms increase on last year’s figure. It is hoped the funding boost will help increase the general standard of the nation’s health therefore relieving pressure on the NHS.
The increased funding has been welcomed by the MP for Hull East, Karl Turner, who has said: “After nearly a decade of cuts under the Tories, I am delighted that Labour are continuing to deliver on our promise to improve health outcomes across the country as part of our Plan for Change.
“This funding will help drive key health services in our community, prevent people from falling into ill health, and relieve pressure on the NHS. A Labour Government delivering for our community in Hull.”
Hull City Council has recognised the funding but insists more still needs to be done in Westminster to help the people of Hull. A council spokesperson has said: “The council acknowledges the increase in funding which will contribute to achieving our ambition for a Fairer and Healthier Hull. However, what we still need to see is a government plan to reduce inequalities, including the long-term funding places like Hull needs.”
The NHS has long been criticised for a lack of preventative health care with it instead focusing on treating illnesses once they occur. This argument was presented in a 2023 paper released by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change which stated: “The NHS operates using a model developed in the last century, focused predominantly on treating late-stage symptomatic diseases with almost no cures and putting very little effort into preventing disease or managing disease in its asymptomatic phase.”
It would appear the Government’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting is ready to focus on more preventative healthcare as upon announcing the new funding boost he said: “Prevention is better than cure.”
Mr Streeting added: “If we can reach people earlier and help them stay healthy, this extra investment will pay for itself several times over in reduced demand on the NHS and by keeping people in work.
“Whether it’s supporting people to quit smoking, giving children a healthy start to life, or providing addiction recovery services, this investment as part of the Government’s Plan for Change will make a real difference in communities across the country.
“After a decade of cuts to public health, this government is committed to shifting the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
