Skip to content

This Site is Intended for Healthcare Professionals Only

Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Stephen Kinnock visits Ipswich, discusses NHS challenges with residents

Stephen Kinnock urges everyone to share ideas for improving the NHS
Health minister Stephen Kinnock

"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.

 

More For You

Air pollution in UK linked to thousands of deaths and chronic health conditions

A report by the Royal College of Physicians claims that air pollution was causing harm to almost every organ of the body.

iStock

Royal College of Physicians paints grim picture of air pollution in UK

Doctors warn that around 99 per cent of the population in the UK are breathing "toxic air", and around 30,000 deaths will be linked to air pollution in 2025.

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) claimed in a report that air pollution was causing harm to almost every organ of the body, and shortening life by 1.8 years on average.

Keep ReadingShow less
Community pharmacies falling behind on data security toolkit submissions

The last date for submission is 30 June 2025.

Pic credit: iStock

Community pharmacies falling behind on data security toolkit submissions

More than 50 per cent of the community pharmacies in England have failed to complete their Data Security and Protection Toolkit 2025 with the deadline in less than two weeks.

Necessary guidance regarding the toolkit has previously been provided by Community Pharmacy England (CPE) earlier.

Keep ReadingShow less
Digital guide launched to help patients with osteoporosis

In the UK, over three million people have osteoporosis.

Pic credit: iStock

Digital guide launched to help patients with osteoporosis

The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) has launched a free online service called BoneMed which is aimed to support patients with osteoporosis in taking their medicine and remove barriers to adherence.

After completing a five-minute online survey, patients will be emailed a summary of the medicine they have been prescribed and six further updates throughout the year on their medication.

Keep ReadingShow less
GPhC five-year plan to empower pharmacists, uphold public trust

GPhC's Strategic Plan 2025-30 will focus on empowering pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

iStock

GPhC five-year plan to empower pharmacists, uphold public trust

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) launched its new plan for the next five years to uphold safety, quality and public trust in pharmacy.

The regulatory body unveiled its Strategic Plan 2025-30 during a Parliamentary event attended by pharmacy minister Stephen Kinnock on Wednesday (18).

Keep ReadingShow less
Glucose monitor and test strips on a blood sugar tracker sheet with lancets and pen device.

Medical device manufacturers will have to monitor the safety and performance of their products already in use.

iStock

Medical device regulation overhauled to improve patients' safety

Medical device manufacturers must now adhere to the UK's post-market surveillance (PMS) regulations.

The new rule came into effect on June 16, and manufacturers will have to monitor the safety and performance of their products already in use.

Keep ReadingShow less