Ensuring a thriving NHS

The UK government has asked members of the public, NHS staff and experts to help shape the next 10 years of the NHS. It has opened a consultation on its 10-year plan – something which the British Psychological Society has welcomed.

In October, the government launched its Change NHS consultation, which anyone can respond to. The government indicated a greater focus on three areas – moving more care from hospitals into the community, better-utilising technology in healthcare, and focusing on preventing sickness.

Responding to the consultation announcement, President Dr Roman Raczka said the BPS welcomed the government's ambitions to strengthen the NHS and provide everyone with the opportunity to shape its future but said the review must go hand in hand with a renewed focus on staff wellbeing. 

'Integral to ensuring a thriving NHS, where patients have access to high-quality services and care as quickly as possible, is recognising the importance of the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce and patients. Without NHS staff, there is no health service. Therefore, it is encouraging that NHS staff will be able to have their say in this consultation and their voices will be heard.'

Raczka added that early intervention and preventative services were the best way to ensure people received the help and support they needed – both in physical and mental health.

'Improving staff and patient wellbeing must be a key government priority, with regards to both. We will be responding to the consultation in due course and encouraging our members to do so as well.'

Find out more and respond to the consultation.