John Stewart, NHS England's director of specialised commissioning, has raised concerns over a growing "postcode lottery" in healthcare funding across the UK. Speaking at a recent health conference, Stewart emphasised the need to reassess the Barnett Formula, which determines funding allocations for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Stewart argued that the current system creates inequities, with some regions receiving disproportionately higher funding per capita than others. "This isn't about taking money away from any nation," he clarified. "It's about ensuring fairness and transparency in how we distribute resources."
Funding Disparities Under Scrutiny
Data reveals striking differences in health spending across the UK nations. Scotland currently receives approximately £2,000 more per person than England, while Wales and Northern Ireland also benefit from higher allocations.
Stewart highlighted how these disparities affect patient care: "When a cancer drug is available in Glasgow but not in Newcastle, patients rightly question why their access to treatment depends on their postcode."
Calls for Reform
The NHS chief suggested several potential solutions:
- A review of the Barnett Formula's health funding components
- Greater collaboration between UK health services
- Transparent criteria for allocating specialised services funding
Health policy experts warn that any changes would require careful negotiation with devolved governments. "This is fundamentally a political question about how we fund public services across the union," noted one Westminster insider.
The debate comes as NHS England faces its own financial pressures, with growing waiting lists and workforce challenges. Stewart's intervention adds to mounting calls for a UK-wide approach to healthcare funding reform.
