“Fundamental reform of the NHS is urgent”

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has emphasised that “fundamental reform of the NHS is urgent” and confirmed that the 10-Year Health Plan will feature reforms set to begin in the initial months post-publication.

This follows reports that suggested reforms to the NHS in England were unlikely to take full effect until the fourth year of the plan.

However, a spokesperson for the DHSC told OT: “This is categorically untrue. Fundamental reform of the NHS is urgent and the 10-Year Health Plan will include reforms to begin within the first months and years following publication.”

The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan will set out how it intends to ensure the NHS is fit for the future.

The plan will be built around three key ‘shifts’: moving care from hospitals to the community, making better use of technology, and preventing sickness.

Reporting by the Health Service Journal earlier this month suggested that, while a full first draft had been completed, ministers wanted changes to the plan to outline “clear benefits for patients and public.”

While the plan was expected to be published in June, HSJ reports that the document is now likely to be published in late June or early July.

In a comment to OT, DHSC has stated that the 10-Year Health Plan will be published in the summer.

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