As you are no doubt aware, today the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care launched the long awaited Government 10 Year Health Plan for England.
The plan sets out Government aspirations to create a new model of care, fit for the future, based on the NHS’ founding principles of universal care, free at the point of delivery, based on need and funded through general taxation. It sets out three key health shifts they hope to achieve over the next decade:
- First, from hospital to community. More care available at the doorstep and in the home, with Neighbourhood Health Centres in every community.
- Second, from analogue to digital. New technology to managed admin, appointments and record access and management.
- Thirdly, from sickness to prevention. Catching illness before it spreads and prevent it in the first place.
While GPs are uniquely positioned to coordinate care, innovate to meet local needs, and reduce health inequalities, we are concerned about aspirational top-down changes and are carefully considering the measures set out in the plan and the potential implications for general practice in the Capital.
As the plan’s implications are evaluated, we will continue to work with our LMCs and system partners to stay focused on supporting London practices, and protecting and strengthening general practice’s ability to deliver high-quality, community-based local care across London.
Best wishes,
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell
CEO
Londonwide LMCs