The health debate - the analysis

The future of health and social care looks certain to be a defining issue in the forthcoming UK general election. Social care has been subject to deep public spending cuts, raising concerns about the sustainability of services in the future. Whoever wins the next election will need to grapple with providing joined up health and social care services in an era of continued austerity. A recent debate (heathdebate.net) with key spokespeople from across the political spectrum took place this week, and we assembled a panel of experts to discuss how they think the debate went, and the key promises and gaps in the parties plans for the NHS. Taking part were: Fiona Godlee, editor in chief of The BMJ Jeremy Taylor - chief executive of National Voices Johnny Marshall - director of policy at the NHS Confederation Jane Dacre - president of the Royal College of Physicians Anita Charlesworth - chief economist at the Health Foundation Mark Porter - chair of council at the BMA Nigel Edwards - chief executive of the Nuffield Trust Chris Ham - chief executive of The King's Fund

For more analysis of the election's health promises, read Gareth Iacobucci's Election Watch column: http://www.bmj.com/content/350/bmj.h2165