An analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicates NHS funding in England is slated for the largest real-terms cuts since the 1970s, with a forecasted 1.2% reduction equivalent to £2bn.

The funding cut may lead the NHS to potentially reduce staffing, staff pay, or patient services, exacerbating current pressures on the healthcare system.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget plans include tightening expenditures on the NHS's £4.6bn agency worker bill, raising concerns over patient care and financial implications.

Political voices, such as the Liberal Democrats and healthcare professionals, have expressed strong disapproval of the cuts, citing risks of significant harm to patient welfare.

Despite an emergency £4.4bn boost from the Treasury this year, NHS trust leaders remain alarmed at the prospect of delivering care amid tightening financial constraints.

Hunt's upcoming budget is also expected to target the NHS's spending on employment agencies, a move criticized by opposition members who point out Hunt's involvement in prior NHS funding decisions.