Whilst it is good that whichever party is elected will increase spending on the NHS and social care, we must ensure better efficiency.
Fifteen years ago, billions were pumped into the NHS but some staff think much was squandered.
To its credit, The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is now implementing a paper light strategy which will save millions of pounds a year.
Sadly though, the Northumbria NHS Healthcare Foundation Trust apparently still has no date for saving cash.
Millions of pounds could also be saved if our local trust complied with the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
By offering outpatient appointments by email, blind and dyslexic people currently unable to
read printed letters could have their computers read them the message.
With elderly patients, sons and daughters would get emails to help their parents rather than unread appointment letters sat on the floor by the letterbox.
So improving efficiency in the NHS helps everyone.
Above all, efficiency improvements mean a lot less borrowing for government so our grandchildren and their grandchildren will not be saddled with a debt mountain for decades.
MIKE FOSTER
Hexham
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