East of England finalises 10-year health plan
Over 100 people gathered in Ipswich to discuss ideas about how to reform the NHS in their region, where waiting lists surpass 900,000.
The East of England has become the latest region to host the biggest ever national conversation about how to fix our national health service. People gathered in Ipswich where they detailed their experience with the NHS and it’s safe to say it’s not too positive.
According to figures, more than 75,000 patients in the area waited more than four weeks for a GP appointment at the end of September and waiting lists have surpassed 900,000, with almost 40,000 of those waits being more than a year.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, said: ‘If we’re to deliver on our goal of making best practice across all NHS organisations, it is essential that we hear from patients and their families directly.
‘The 10 Year Health Plan is a great opportunity for the public to have their say on the future of the NHS, and we’re delighted that so many people came down to share their ideas on how best we innovate and adapt for tomorrow.
‘I’ve spoken to patients, family members and NHS staff with a whole host of experiences, both good and bad. But everyone is united in the common goal of wanting to build a stronger NHS that is fit for the future.’
Within the discussion, thousands of ideas were submitted about how to reform the NHS, which include:
- Establishing an NHS research health company that can be used to get insights on early prevention
- Digital records to be made available
- Creating pop-up/mobile clinics to meet demand for services
- Stop giving out paper leaflets and sending letters and limit this to those who do not have access to IT services to reduce waste
Input from the public will ultimately help shape the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which is due to be published in spring 2025 and will be underlined by three huge shifts in healthcare including hospital to community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention.
More information about how to have your say about the upcoming NHS plan can be accessed here.
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