"We can only build an NHS fit for the future by working hand in hand with local communities" - Stephen Kinnock
Health minister Stephen Kinnock and Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, joined over 100 residents in Ipswich on Saturday (30 November) as the national debate about how to fix the NHS reached the East of England.
Residents shared their views on the NHS in the region, where tens of thousands of patients are left waiting more than four weeks for a GP appointment.
Kinnock heard their suggestions for shaping the government’s 10 Year Health Plan and delivering an NHS fit for the future.
The minister and Professor Powis also visited a local Be Well Bus, an innovative mobile unit offering health checks and vaccinations.
Kinnock said: “I was delighted to join over 100 residents in Ipswich, all of whom are passionate about getting our NHS back on its feet.
“I also got to see first-hand the innovative Be Well Bus, which is exactly the kind of community healthcare initiative we need - bringing vital services like health checks and vaccinations directly to people’s doors.”
Kinnock emphasised that building an NHS fit for the future requires close collaboration with local communities.
“It’s crucial that we hear directly from people all over the country about their experiences and ideas for improvement, and the insights shared today will help shape a healthcare system that works for everyone,” he said.
He encourages everyone to visit change.nhs.uk and share their ideas for improving the health service and contribute to shaping the plan.
The online platform has already received nearly 1.1 million visits, with close to 9,000 ideas currently featured. It will remain active until spring 2025 and can be accessed through the NHS App.
“If we’re to deliver on our goal of making best practice, normal practice across all NHS organisations, it is essential that we hear from patients and their families directly,” Professor Powis stated.
He underscored that the 10 Year Health Plan is “a great opportunity” for the public to have their say on the future of the NHS, and appreciated those who came forward to share their ideas on “how best we innovate and adapt for tomorrow.”
The latest data shows that East of England faces a waiting list of more than 920,000, with almost 40,000 of people waiting more than a year.
The South East of England was the latest region to host the biggest ever conversation about NHS reform. People from across the region came to Folkestone on Sunday (1 December) to share their views on the NHS in the region, where waiting lists surpass a million, and 40,000 people have been waiting more than a year.
Baroness Gillian Merron, the Health Minister responsible for life sciences and innovation, and Chris Hopson, chief strategy officer at NHS England, engaged with locals to gather their opinions and outlined their commitment to transforming it.
