Preventing poor health, use of tech and local care ‘key’ to NHS’ future, advisory group says

NHS Assembly’s report includes responses from more than 700 organisations and patient groups.

NHS Assembly said there are ‘three key areas’ the health service should focus on (Jeff Moore/PA) (PA Wire)

The prevention of poor health, a greater use of technology and personalising care should be “key areas” of focus for the NHS in the coming years, according to an independent advisory group.

NHS Assembly – which was formed in 2019 and comprises staff, patient groups, carers, charities and healthcare partners – has prepared a report ahead of the 75th anniversary of the NHS on July 5.

It highlights “three key areas” the health service should be focusing on based on the group’s analysis. These are preventing poor health, creating personalised care and co-ordinating care locally by bolstering general practice.

This report will help to build on the progress already made, both locally and nationally, for years to come

NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard

The report includes responses from more than 700 organisations and patient groups, which said they were proud of NHS staff and their resilience, but said more should be done to improve the retention of workers, reduce vacancies and better support unpaid carers.

It also noted calls for a greater need to prevent ill health through societal change, as well as capital investment and a long-term infrastructure plan.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “After some of the most challenging years in NHS history, I know how energising many colleagues have found having the chance to think about opportunities to improve health and care for the future.

“And by taking into account such a wide range of views from our patients, staff and partners, this report will help to build on the progress already made, both locally and nationally, for years to come.”

NHS Assembly hailed the creation of integrated care systems (ICS), which replaced clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) last year, and said they allow the NHS to work with other bodies to tackle major causes of poor health, such as smoking or obesity.

It also recommended that ICSs should adopt new technology to help patients monitor conditions and get advice.

This visionary document based on the views of people across health and social care sets out three key aims for the sector – preventing people from getting ill, creating more personalised care and delivering this care closer to people’s home

Dame Clare Gerada

On Friday, the Government announced a £21 million fund for artificial intelligence (AI) to be rolled out further across the NHS.

Trusts have been invited to apply for a portion of the cash to implement AI tools for the likes of medical imaging and decision support.

The NHS Assembly report was co-authored by Professor Dame Clare Gerada and Professor Sir Chris Ham.

Dame Clare said: “This visionary document based on the views of people across health and social care sets out three key aims for the sector – preventing people from getting ill, creating more personalised care and delivering this care closer to people’s home.”

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers and NHS Assembly member, added: “It’s heartening to see resounding support for the founding principles of the NHS we approach the NHS’ 75th anniversary.

“As well as tackling health inequalities and delivering care closer to home, we heard from patients and the public that investment in staff and capital, alongside social care reform, is vital to give this and future generations safe, high-quality services.”