Sir Keir Starmer has set out his 10-year-plan to reform the NHS in England, based on a shift from hospitals to neighbourhood health hubs, a new focus on prevention and better use of technology. He said the government’s 162-page blueprint might be the last chance to put the health service “back on its feet”.
The plan could mean in practice:
Care on the doorstep: The government is promising to set up around 50 new neighbourhood health centres by the end of this parliament and up to 300 by 2035. The idea is to shift work out of overcrowded hospitals and into local hubs staffed by a mix of GPs, nurses, pharmacists, mental health specialists and other medics.
Obesity ‘moonshot’: The plans include what the government is calling an “ambitious moonshot”, aiming to “end the obesity epidemic”. There will be “digital NHS points” for people who improve their diet or meet exercise goals.
New alcohol warnings: Expect to see new mandatory warning labels on cans and bottles of alcohol before the next election. The government says this has worked in countries like South Korea to “help consumers make more informed, healthier choices”.
Dental deserts: There’s a fresh push to increase access to dental care, a subject always near the top of public concern about the NHS. Dental therapists will be asked to perform more check-ups, treatments and referrals.
Mental health A&E: An extra £120m over five years is promised to develop dedicated mental health A&E departments. In total, 85 will be set up across England providing walk-in access or help for people brought in by ambulance or the police.
A ‘doctor in your pocket’: More use will be made of the NHS app to book appointments, order prescriptions and refer patients to local charities and businesses that can offer health support. Starmer said it would be like having a “doctor in your pocket providing advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week”.
What about social care? The 10-year plan is squarely focused on the NHS and public health and does not directly address the future of the social care sector. The Care Workers’ Charity called that “deeply concerning” and opposition MPs warned: “You can’t fix the NHS without fixing social care.”
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