The Patients Association has expressed their appreciation for the Health Secretary’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the NHS and social care system in his Labour Party conference speech on Wednesday 25 September, 2024.
Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, stated, “We welcome the Secretary of State’s recognition of the major challenges facing our healthcare system. The commitment to end the ‘two-tier system of healthcare’ and focus on reducing waiting lists is crucial. However, solutions must be firmly rooted in patients’ needs and experiences.”
Power emphasized the importance of not only reducing waiting lists, but also addressing the struggles of patients with conditions that do not require surgery but significantly impact their quality of life and ability to work. She stated, “We look forward to hearing concrete plans for strengthening all services in the NHS.”
The Patients Association also welcomed the Health Secretary’s emphasis on honesty about the state of the NHS and the acknowledgment that fixing the NHS requires addressing issues in social care. They expressed support for the proposed Fair Pay Agreement for care workers as a step towards building a National Care Service, but urged for clarity on how this service will benefit patients and when improvements can be expected.
The transformation of the NHS into a ‘Neighbourhood Health Service’ and the focus on preventative, personalised care were also noted as aligning with patients’ needs. However, the Patients Association urged for consideration of those who may not have access to or be able to use digital innovations in these plans.
As these plans continue to develop, the Patients Association urged the government to work closely with patients, carers, and patient organisations. They stated, “Only by putting patients at the heart of healthcare reform can we create a system that truly meets everyone’s needs.”
Notes for editors:
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
This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
