The NHS in an age of austerity: how tight is the squeeze?

In brief

The combination of the unprecedented squeeze on public spending and rising demand for services leaves the NHS facing the most significant financial challenge in its history. The first of our autumn series of breakfast events offered a timely opportunity to discuss the macro-economic outlook, its implications for public services and what this means for the NHS.

Paul Johnson: Health spending in context

Paul Johnson


Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, gives an overview of how public spending is distributed and where health fits within the total spending picture.

Watch Paul's presentation

John Appleby: Health spending in the EU – how does the UK compare?

John Appleby


John Appleby, Chief Economist at The King's Fund, looks at how health spending in the UK compares with other countries and what the prospects are for spending on health care beyond 2015.

Watch John's presentation

Mike Farrar: Meeting the 'Nicholson Challenge'

Mike Farrar


Mike Farrar, Chief Executive, NHS Confederation, looks at how the NHS can meet the 'Nicholson Challenge' to deliver £20 billion in productivity improvements.

Listen to Mike's presentation

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