Despite the crescendo chorus just before the Autumn Statement, social care and health didn't get any extra funding. The Chancellor and Prime Minister did their best ‘steely glare', transmitting a clear message that they expect just as much efficiency and reform rigour, stretch and delivery from health and care as they feel they secured from defence and the Home Office.

It's difficult to avoid the conclusion that, if the Government does stick to the spending review plans for the parliament, the media coverage of the pressures in health and care over the last six weeks is just the beginning.