Jasmin Adebisi
Policy Manager for Health, Policy Connect
Over the years, the NHS has adapted and developed at an incredible pace to provide healthcare services through pandemics, digital transformations and more.
An important development for the NHS in recent years has been the power of healthcare partnerships, with different service providers across health and social care. But despite often being the most accessible local healthcare providers, high street healthcare providers often find themselves faced with similar challenges as primary and secondary care providers.
Increasing patient access to NHS services
The Government’s aim to integrate these services more effectively into the wider health service appears to have progressed, following the recent announcement of the Primary Care Recovery Plan. It includes plans for patients suffering from common ailments to be able to get prescriptions directly from pharmacists, bypassing GPs for treatment in a bid to relieve pressures on surgeries and speed up access.
Set to begin in the winter months, this scheme could lead to improved patient pathways and access to treatment. It could also alleviate pressures on the NHS workforce. If we ensure access to NHS services for all patients, we can help reduce health inequalities and improve the experience for both patients and staff.
The workforce makes up the backbone
of the NHS and needs to be prioritised.
Creating better conditions for NHS staff
On top of improving patient experience, we must also ensure that we support the physical and mental wellbeing of the NHS staff. The workforce makes up the backbone of the NHS and needs to be prioritised.
The Government needs to honour its commitment to publishing a ‘comprehensive’ NHS Workforce Plan this year. This should set out ways to improve and provide appropriate investments to support the retention and recruitment of staff and practitioners, which will alleviate pressures.
The All-Party Parliamentary Health Group and Policy Connect will be hosting a panel discussion on last year’s NHS recovery plan. With key voices from the sector, we will look at how far the NHS has come and what the workforce requires to ensure an improved NHS service.
