Health service 'still desperate for money'

The NHS is still desperately short of staff, beds and equipment nearly six years after Labour came to power, an independent body set up by the Government will say today.

The NHS Modernisation Board of doctors, nurses and patient representatives will conclude in its latest annual report that more sustained investment is needed.

Tony Blair will be told of the findings today at a health summit at Downing Street with the board and Alan Milburn, the Health Secretary.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman made clear that the report, covering a year from October 2001, "would not all make comfortable reading for ministers". But the study is also likely to highlight areas of progress such as cuts in waiting times and improved clinical quality.

The board will explicitly call for promised funds to be delivered to counter severe shortages of doctors, nurses, buildings and equipment. It is bound to be seized on by Mr Milburn as proof that there is no alternative to Labour's steady increases in funding in the next three years.

Mr Blair's spokesman said the report was a "full and frank" assessment of the NHS. "We also think that it will show extra revenues are paying dividends for patients."