Patients Association Welcomes Health Secretary’s Commitment to Addressing NHS Challenges
London, UK – In his Labour Party conference speech, Health Secretary John Smith outlined his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the NHS and social care system. The Patients Association, an independent patient charity, welcomes this commitment and is hopeful for positive changes in the healthcare system.
Chief Executive of the Patients Association, Rachel Power, expressed appreciation for the Health Secretary’s recognition of the major challenges facing the healthcare system. Power emphasized the importance of ending the ‘two-tier system of healthcare’ and reducing waiting lists, but also stressed the need for solutions to be centered around patients’ needs and experiences.
While the focus on reducing waiting lists is crucial, the Patients Association highlights the importance of addressing other issues within the healthcare system. Many patients struggle with conditions that don’t require surgery but significantly impact their quality of life and ability to work. The charity looks forward to hearing concrete plans for strengthening all services in the NHS.
The Patients Association also welcomes the Health Secretary’s honesty about the current state of the NHS and the acknowledgment that fixing the NHS requires addressing social care. The proposed Fair Pay Agreement for care workers is seen as a positive step towards building a National Care Service. However, the Patients Association stresses the need for clarity on what this service will mean for patients and families and when they can expect to see improvements.
The transformation of the NHS into a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’ and the focus on preventative, personalised care aligns with patients’ needs, according to the Patients Association. However, the charity urges caution in ensuring that digital innovations do not leave behind those who cannot access or use these services.
In conclusion, the Patients Association calls for the government to work closely with patients, carers, and patient organisations as these plans develop. They believe that only by putting patients at the heart of healthcare reform can a system be created that truly meets everyone’s needs.
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About the Patients Association
The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients. They believe that patients should be actively involved in decisions made about their care and in the design of the health and care system. Through their helpline and information services, they provide information to thousands of people each year about the health and social care system, enabling them to advocate for themselves.
For more information, please contact media@patients-association.org.uk.
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