After 33 years in the NHS, 20 at strategic/regional level, I can’t see anything new in these proposals (Twelve key takeaways from Labour’s 10-year NHS plan, 3 July). My regional and national colleagues all recognise this as yet more political rhetoric causing disruption, and time-wasting by politicians trying to make a name for themselves. The reason this plan will fail, as have all the others, is the failure to address the determinants of ill health, and focusing on the consequences instead of preventing the causes.
Public health and prevention are in the “too difficult” box, compounded by politicians in thrall to ultra-processed food and drink lobbyists, and a culture in some families where worklessness is seen as acceptable. Social care is expensive and unsexy because it deals with messy things like chronic illness, ageing and dying. Technology will only help when basic systems work properly first. While these remain unaddressed, there is no chance of success.
With that, a not insignificant number of colleagues, along with myself, are eagerly anticipating early retirement. And some others are looking to the opportunities afforded by redundancy in the latest shuffling of deck chairs on NHS Titanic.
Anne Pearson
Gatley, Greater Manchester
To build an NHS fit for the future, we need to look beyond hospitals and put communities, society and the economy at the heart of our health plan. One-stop shops in neighbourhood health hubs are a good thing. From seeing your GP to getting debt advice, there is an opportunity to tackle the root causes of poor health.
At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation, we want to create a world where people live healthier lives for longer. We also understand that having healthy food in supermarkets and ensuring that children can access nutritious food has a hugely positive impact. On these, the government is making the right moves. It is also right to look to innovation. We’re working with world-leading universities, NHS hospitals and communities to drive data-driven care.
But does the 10-year plan go far enough to stop us getting sick? We need a government-wide approach to tackling poverty, poor housing and dirty air. The plan’s ambition is the right one – but we must act now.
Laurie Lee
CEO, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation
Labour rightly emphasises the creation of neighbourhood health centres offering integrated care. But to make this vision real, we must look towards upgrading and incentivising what already exists. Thousands of GP surgeries and health centres are embedded in their communities. Many already collaborate with pharmacies and mental health staff. Why not offer them the opportunity – and funding – to become full community health centres?
Funding could be devolved to local areas that would enable a bidding process to take place for capital grants to upgrade buildings, enhance contracts to reward integration and share staff across practices. In return, they would offer extended hours, host multidisciplinary teams and offer prevention-focused care that relieves pressure on hospitals.
Iain Hall
Retired educational leader and community advocate
If the NHS could be fixed by central initiatives, it would work perfectly now. Almost 20 years ago, we had Lord Darzi’s polyclinics. Did they transform the NHS? Hardly.
Peter West
Health economist, London