The NHS in England at 75: priorities for the future (NHS Assembly, 23 June 2023)

Summary

This year marks the NHS's 75th anniversary, and is an important moment to look back at where the service has come from, consider where it stands today and to look forward to how it needs to change to meet future needs.

This report from the NHS Assembly draws on the feedback of thousands of people who have contributed to a rapid process of engagement with patients, staff and partners. It aims to help the NHS, nationally and locally, plan how to respond to long term opportunities and challenges. It sets out what is most valuable about the NHS, what most needs to change, and what is needed for the NHS to continue fulfilling its fundamental mission in a new context.

Content

The report identifies three key 'shifts' that will help the NHS adapt to the current needs of the population:

1. Preventing ill health. Shifting funding to evidence-based measures to prevent and manage coronary heart disease and other causes of poor health, such as smoking and obesity. Working far more effectively with others to reach those at greatest risk and using NHS insights to advocate for effective action in tackling the wider determinants of health.
2. Personalisation and participation. Ensuring people have control in planning their own care, supported by a continuity of relationship with clinical teams and an NHS accountability framework giving greater priority to patients’ experience and voice, particularly those who have been marginalised historically.
3. Co-ordinated care, closer to home. Accelerating plans to strengthen general practice, wider primary care and community services in every neighbourhood. Universalising much better care for those with complex needs and frailty based on community teams and hospital at home services, supported by outreach from hospitals.