The National Health Service (NHS) is an institution that we all cherish. It's a pillar of British life, a safety net we rely on in times of need. Yet despite our deep admiration for the NHS, there are hard truths that need to be faced. No one doubts the dedication of its staff, nor the importance of providing quality healthcare to all. But the question is no longer whether the NHS needs more money. It's whether the NHS is equipped to make the best use of that money.

Calls for increased funding grow louder each year. The notion of ‘throwing billions' at the NHS is touted as a solution to its mounting pressures. But is this the right approach? I have seen first-hand how local government has been forced to improve its efficiency, streamline back-office operations, and modernise in the face of financial pressures. Granted, this is not always positive, but with no money tree to shake it can be surprising to see the creativity and efficiency that can be achieved.