Evening Press leader

It may have been a bad Budget for motorists but it was a good one for anyone who might become ill or grow old. Gordon Brown yesterday announced a very welcome £2 billion boost to the National Health Service.

The desperate need for extra health resources has been highlighted by consecutive winter crises that have left hospitals struggling to cope. If Mr Brown's money is spent effectively, we should not witness a repeat of these problems.

And spending every penny carefully and clinically is vital if this extra cash is to make a real difference. A radical rethink on which patients are a priority for the NHS is overdue. The Government must listen to health staff, such as the York-based heart tsar Dr Roger Boyle, to ensure that the most needy are treated first and fast.

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