UHUK response to the 2024 UK budget announcement

Urgent Health UK (UHUK) welcomes the government’s focus on healthcare in this year’s budget. As a network of social enterprises delivering urgent, integrated, and out-of-hospital care for two-thirds of the UK population, UHUK is uniquely positioned to support the anticipated ten-year plan and the key shifts identified in the Darzi review that will shape the future of healthcare.

Today’s announcement of a £25.7 billion investment in the NHS over this year and next is both timely and essential. Of this, £3.1 billion is allocated for capital investment in NHS estates and infrastructure, while £22.6 billion supports the NHS's day-to-day budget. These funds, alongside measures targeting wider health determinants—such as smoking, vaping, and sugar consumption, air quality improvement, social care investment, and homelessness—demonstrate a commitment to addressing holistic health factors.

We commend the targeted investments aimed at reducing wait times and strengthening infrastructure in primary care settings. However, UHUK stresses that these funds must be thoughtfully directed toward areas and services where patient demand is highest. Strategic allocation to frontline urgent care will enable quicker, more efficient care, particularly in areas where healthcare access has historically been limited.

While encouraged by the government’s emphasis on bolstering healthcare, UHUK recognises that continued investment and innovation are critical. We await further detail on how these funds will be distributed to optimise patient care and stand ready to collaborate with policymakers and NHS partners to deliver a resilient, patient-focused healthcare system for all.