The pledge, which is equivalent to 3% annual growth, has generally been regarded as a good deal for the NHS. It represents an enormous sum, equivalent to the GDP of Portugal, but critics have carped the annual growth rate of 3% is still below the historical long-term average of 3.7% between 1979-80 and 2019-20. 

Speaking at NHS ConfedExpo, secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting said he had won a good deal for the sector but warned additional investment would not be enough to secure recovery without reform. 

While welcoming the news, leaders have also highlighted that capital investment is set to remain flat over the next three years. 

Streeting interestingly left the door open for private capital at NHS ConfedExpo, however, adding the caveat he was taking a ‘cautious approach'.

The Government continues to stake its electoral fortunes on its ability to turn around the NHS but its ongoing neglect of social care, once again a notable loser in the Spending Review, continues to fundamentally undermine its efforts. 

With health and social care inextricably linked one can't be fixed without the other.