Context

There have been substantial increases in funding for the NHS, as well as increases in levels of activity and an improvement in the independent sector.

Some figures:

  • Funding for the NHS has increased by 7.2% a year since 2002.
  • The number of consultations in GP practices increased by around 70 million to almost 290 million in 2006.
  • The NHS workforce in England has increased by 29%.
  • The number of first outpatient appointments has risen by more than one million since 2000/2001.