The NHS is at a critical turning point, facing both challenges and opportunities for change. Through the Change NHS initiative, the public has shared their views on improving healthcare. Now, to help finalise the Plan, the NHS seeks further input on the emerging ideas from engagement so far.
Share your priorities for change by 5pm on Monday 14th April.
Shaping the future of the NHS
The NHS has served the nation for over 76 years, but as highlighted in Lord Darzi’s independent report, it is now in a state of “critical condition.” To ensure its longevity and continued ability to support everyone’s health for the next 76 years, public involvement is essential.
In October 2024, the NHS launched the Change NHS initiative to gather views, experiences, and ideas from the public. These contributions are shaping a new 10-year Health Plan for England. Since its inception, the initiative has received over 175,000 submissions.
The feedback has expressed pride in the NHS and support for its founding principles but has also revealed challenges. Many have reported difficulties accessing GP appointments, ambulance services, and timely treatment. Additionally, staff often lack the necessary resources to provide the level of care they aspire to deliver.
Recognising these challenges, the NHS has already begun addressing immediate pressures.
- An additional £26 billion has been allocated to the NHS.
- The number of GPs is being increased.
- Two million additional appointments for patients have been delivered, leading to a reduction in waiting lists.
Further steps include:
- Introducing a ban on junk food advertising targeted at children.
- Enacting new legislation to create the first smoke-free generation.
- Boosting funding for social care.
However, more work remains to be done. The NHS is now seeking public input to determine priorities for change based on the ideas gathered so far.
What will the Change NHS plan cover?
The 10-Year Health Plan will outline how to modernise the NHS to meet the evolving needs of the population. The plan will focus on three key shifts identified by the Government, the health service, and experts:
- Shifting care from hospitals to communities.
- Enhancing the use of technology.
- Prioritising sickness prevention over treatment.
More details on these shifts are available for public review.
Change NHS: The story so far
When the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care launched Change NHS, they envisioned it as the largest public conversation about the NHS—and it has lived up to this ambition. Key milestones include:
- Over 1.5 million visits to the Change NHS website and 95,000 contributions from the public.
- Participation of more than 750 members of the public and 3,000 health and care staff from all NHS regions in discussions about the three shifts.
- Submission of over 1,600 responses from organisations, alongside continued engagement with partners and underrepresented groups.
- More than 500 workshops conducted by partner organisations and local health systems with seldom-heard communities, such as Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities, individuals with alcohol or drug dependence, and those experiencing homelessness.
- Engagement of 800 Integrated Care System leaders from the NHS and local government in regional events to discuss the plan.
- In spring, a National Summit will bring together health and care staff, as well as members of the public, to help shape the final plan.
Share your priorities for change
The NHS now invites the public to share their priorities for change regarding some of the emerging ideas gathered through engagement so far.
Feedback is needed by 5pm on Monday, 14th April. After this deadline, the activities on this website will close as the development of the Plan is finalised.
A selection of the thousands of members of the public, health and care staff, and experts who have contributed to the plan so far will be brought together for the Change NHS summit.
Those of you interested can register to stay updated on the next steps. Additionally, if you’re new to Change NHS, you can still participate in all previous activities to share your views.
Share your priorities for change at change.nhs.uk. If you would prefer to print out the survey, you can access a downloadable copy of the survey.
If you wish to take part in an alternative format, please email changenhs@thinksinsight.com