What do people in Newark think of the NHS financial boost announced in the Spending Review 2025?

In its weekly voxpop, the Advertiser heard people’s views on the NHS as a system following the announcement of a government financial boost.

The Spending Review 2025, which was published on June 11, set out the government’s plans to invest £29 billion in annual NHS day-to-day spending from 2023-24 to 2028-29.

Following the announcement, the Advertiser asked people across town about their experiences with the NHS and their thoughts on the financial boost.

“I think they are quite good, I had a total knee replacement in January at Newark Hospital and I couldn’t fault anybody,” said Malcolm Wright, “I thought they were all very good, the nurses, doctors, physios, people who prepared the food, the cleaners, all part of the team, they were all brilliant.”

He added: “I know people sort of knock the NHS a bit, but when you need them, they are there for you and will do the job.”

Vincent Johnson-Cooper said that the system was very good and has never had any problems with it as he has always been treated ‘very well’.

The Spending Review also announced a £2.3 billion real terms increase in the Department of Health and Social Care annual capital budgets from 2023‑24 to 2029‑30 to invest in the NHS, including in new technology, hospitals and primary care.

Lisa Lethbridge said that this was “fantastic” news, and recognised that the NHS is under a lot of stress and pressure and that no ‘proper recruitment’ is being done.

Despite most people we spoke to having been very supportive of the NHS, some agreed that it should be run better, and the more invested should be ‘used properly’.

John Smith said: “Not paying managers £100,000 a year to manage someone else who will then manage someone else, etc.

“I don’t agree with that; money should go to help people get better.”

Amanda Crampton said: “We've used the NHS quite a lot, my partner’s been quite ill and without the NHS we know we wouldn’t be able to get through it.

“I think any money that can be given to the NHS is great, and my niece is a nurse now, and I think the NHS is great.”

Paul Tuplin said: “I’ve had times where I had to wait in the hospital for several hours before being seen by a doctor.

“I get it that the NHS is under a lot of pressure, but hopefully this money will improve the services.”

The Advertiser now asks its readers — what is your opinion on the NHS and the recently announced financial boost?