West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed a five year plan for the NHS which will see an additional £20 billion a year spent on improving services. The announcement is timed to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NHS and the long-term funding commitment will see a rise in real terms funding of 3.4 per cent. In return for this investment, the Government will ask NHS leaders to produce a new ten-year plan, led by clinicians and professionals, and supported by local health and care systems across the country. The plan will set out a long-term vision for the health service and ensure every penny is well spent, while waste and inefficiencies are reduced. Harriett commented: “The NHS has been there for us whenever we need it for 70 years, and this historic funding announcement is a fitting birthday present for our world-renowned health service. “This extra funding commitment is a strong show of support for our hard-working doctors and nurses who work in the local NHS and who do an amazing job looking after us and our loved ones. “A long-term plan will ensure the NHS is fit to support us for the next 70 years and beyond. It will be led by professionals, with input from the public and patients, and set out a sustainable and efficient vision for our health service.”