A blueprint for the NHS

I enjoy writing this column because it makes me read and reflect and I hope it encourages you to delve deeper into some of the areas that I highlight. This month, I would encourage you to read the Times Health Commission report (2024). Slyvester (2023), chairwoman of the commission, explained that:

‘The Times Health Commission has been set up to consider the future of health and social care in England in the light of the pandemic, the growing pressure on budgets, the A&E crisis, rising waiting lists, health inequalities, obesity and the ageing population.’

Experts visited multiple healthcare facilities, and held fortnightly evidence sessions, with witnesses including senior doctors, nurses and midwives, as well as politicians and other health experts.

Last year, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was asked to submit evidence and meet with the members of the commission; and was quoted in the final report: