In support of the upcoming landmark 10-year plan, the government and NHS have kickstarted a series of debates up and down the country to ensure the strategy reflects the views of everyone.
Middlesbrough hosted the first public debate over the weekend, with 100 people from the north east and Yorkshire convening to discuss the future of the NHS.
Both health secretary and NHS England CEO Amanda Pritchard joined the meet as attendees shared their insight on NHS reform and health inequalities in the region.
Getting a grip
The Department of Health and Social Care launched a national consultation on its 10-year plan last month – the hub for sharing views has already received almost one million visits and will be live until spring, when the plan is expected to be published.
“If we don’t get this right, the NHS may not be there for us, not just where we need it, but as a public service, free at the point of use as it has been for the last 76,” said the health secretary.
He added: “So we’ve got to grip this now and make the right long term decisions to get our NHS back on its feet and fit for the future. And for me, that means listening to your ideas for our 10 Year Health Plan.”
The NHSE CEO commented: “The 10 Year Health Plan is a chance to help the NHS continue to innovate and adapt, and make the best practice, normal practice across the country.
“So it’s been really positive that so many people have come forward to let us know about their experience of the NHS – good, bad and frustrating. We need patients and the public to continue to contribute to the 10 Year Health Plan – and help us build an NHS fit for the future.”
Future plans?
Thousands of ideas have been floated so far, including establishing an NHS health research company that can be harnessed to drive insights on early prevention. Other ideas include:
- digital records to enable universal access to GP surgeries;
- pop up/mobile clinics to meet surge demand for areas of demand; and
- no paper leaflets or letters, unless the intended recipient does not have access to IT equipment.
The news comes after Wes Streeting announced a set of new measures at NHS Providers’ annual conference last week.
The steps are being taken to reduce wasteful spending and ensure the health service delivers greater value for money.
Some of the people in the north east and Yorkshire, for example, are being impacted by a range of widening disparities.
This includes an 8% rise in the 18-week waiting list at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the last year and the life expectancy in Middlesbrough being the lowest in the country between 2020 and 2022 – the latest statistics available.
Image credit: iStock
