The first in a planned series of public debates was held in Middlesborough over the weekend, under the banner of the 10-Year Health Plan roadshow.
This national conversation about the NHS aims to ensure views from local communities shape Government plans to “fix” the health service, and make it fit for the future.
The Middlesborough event was attended by more than 100 people from the North East and Yorkshire, as well as the Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting and the Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard. People were asked for their opinions on NHS reform and how the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan can help tackle disparities in the wider region.
Amanda Pritchard says: “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.
“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.
Almost one million visits
Last month, the Government launched change.nhs.uk, issuing a rallying call to the entire nation – including all 1.5 million NHS staff, patients, experts, and the wider public – to visit the online platform to share their experiences, views and ideas for fixing the NHS and to shape the plan. This platform has received almost one million visits so far. It will be live until spring, and available via the NHS App.
Thousands of ideas to fix the health service have been submitted, with suggestions including:
• Establishing an NHS research health company that can be used to get insights on early prevention
• Digitalisation to enable records from all hospitals to be available to view at all GP surgeries
• Pop-up/mobile clinics to meet surge demand for services in areas of need
• Stop giving out paper leaflets and sending letters, and limit this to those who do not have access to IT to reduce waste.
The Government says all submitted ideas will be considered as part of the engagement process to improve its understanding of the priorities of the public, patients and people working in health and care.
