The government has launched the largest public conversation on the future of the NHS since its creation, urging members of the public, NHS staff, and experts to share their experiences and ideas for improving the health service. The call to action comes as the government prepares its 10-Year Health Plan, aimed at overhauling a system currently facing its worst crisis.
A new online platform, Change.NHS.uk, has gone live, allowing people to submit their views until the start of next year. The platform will also be accessible via the NHS App. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called on the entire nation to help shape the reforms, which are set to be outlined in spring 2025.
“We have a clear plan to fix the health service, but it’s only right that we hear from those who rely on the NHS daily,” Starmer said. “Together, we can build a healthcare system that puts patients first.”
The Health Plan will be underpinned by three key reforms: shifting care from hospitals to community settings, modernising the system from analogue to digital, and moving from treating sickness to preventing illness.
One major focus is the development of new neighbourhood health centres, where patients can access GPs, nurses, and specialists under one roof, closer to their homes. Plans also include integrating patient records through the NHS App to streamline care, allowing staff and patients easier access to medical histories.
The government hopes to address growing challenges like long wait times and the NHS’s ageing infrastructure. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the urgency for reform. “The NHS saved my life, as it has for so many. But it’s broken, and we need everyone’s ideas to help fix it,” he said.
In addition to addressing existing problems, the Plan aims to reduce future demand on NHS services by focusing on prevention. Wearable technology like smartwatches may be explored as a tool for monitoring chronic conditions such as diabetes, allowing patients to manage their health at home.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS England’s Chief Executive, stressed the importance of hearing from frontline workers and patients to shape the future. “Our staff are facing record demand, and often work in outdated buildings with old technology. We need to adapt,” she said, calling the engagement platform a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Immediate government measures have already been introduced to support the NHS, including agreements with resident doctors, increased funding for GP surgeries, and the hiring of an additional 1,000 GPs by the end of this year.
As the government gears up for the biggest overhaul of the NHS in decades, Starmer and Streeting emphasised that investment alone won’t fix the issues; fundamental reform is needed. Both urged the public to participate in shaping a future-proof NHS that delivers world-class care to patients across the country.