Health and care sector latest developments
This will be the last latest developments of the year. It will resume on 5 January.
How the NHS 10 Year Health Plan is delivering for patients: Wes Streeting Exclusive
In the article written by the health secretary, Wes Streeting reflects on his personal experience of serious illness and the life-saving care he received from the NHS, describing the compassion and expertise of NHS staff and expressing deep gratitude for a service he believes is woven into the fabric of British life. This experience reinforces his commitment to defending healthcare that is free at the point of use, a principle he argues is now under threat.
Streeting outlines the scale of the challenges facing the NHS, drawing on Lord Darzi’s 2024 review, which exposed worsening patient access, long waiting lists, unsafe A&E delays, poor allocation of resources, low productivity, and neglected infrastructure. He argues these problems confirm that ‘business as usual’ is no longer viable and that the cycle of rising funding delivering poorer services must end.
He set out a progress report on the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England. Streeting highlighted early progress which includes £29 billion in additional funding, thousands of extra doctors, expanded appointments, improved GP access, faster diagnostics, falling waiting lists, improved productivity, and reduced reliance on agency staff.
Streeting also highlights major reforms such as neighbourhood health centres, greater transparency and accountability for NHS trusts, the expansion of the NHS App into a digital ‘front door’, and a stronger emphasis on prevention through screening, vaccination, and public health measures. He argues these changes are beginning to reduce inequalities, improve outcomes, and restore clarity and purpose to the health service.
The article concludes that while the plan is ambitious, it is already delivering tangible improvements for patients and staff. Streeting presents the reforms as essential to building a modern, fair, and resilient NHS capable of serving future generations.
Government extends free NHS services for care leavers
A new package of measures brought in by government today for young people leaving care will provide free prescriptions, dental and eyecare services up to their 25th birthday, and enhanced job opportunities in the NHS.
Children in care will receive protection under new safeguards with GPs given a clearer picture of those in care, so they have the right information at the right time to stop young people falling through the cracks.
Those who have been in care are at a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and have a higher chance of experiencing homelessness and unemployment. Many face barriers in accessing mental and physical health services, with more than one quarter of those leaving care not told how to get help with their physical health, including registering with a GP or dentist.
Home working ‘a red line’, union tells NHS England
NHS England’s plans to require staff to work in the office more and restrict home working are a ‘red line’ and could trigger a formal dispute, a union has claimed.
In a letter sent to NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey last week, Unite said members ‘were shocked and in some cases left distraught’ by plans for staff to work 60 percent in the office and to stop issuing home working contracts.
NHS England is making the changes to comply with stricter civil service rules for staff.
However, Unite said it will seek member views on a formal dispute if the Department of Health and Social Care refuses to relax its requirements for staff transferring from NHS England.
‘We are asking the DHSC change its position and issue a new statement reassuring staff that the current hybrid and homeworking arrangements and policies will remain following feedback,’ the letter added.
‘This matter is a red line to Unite members. If there is no retraction, we will have no option to start seeking members views on a formal dispute.’
An end of year message from Sir Jim Mackey
In an end-of-year speech, Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, thanked staff across the NHS for their dedication during a year marked by both progress and challenge. Reflecting on his first months in the role since April, he praised the commitment, compassion and professionalism shown by colleagues nationwide.
Mackey highlighted significant achievements, including record levels of elective and cancer care over the summer, reductions in waiting times, and expanded access in primary care, with GP teams delivering more appointments than ever and pharmacies playing a greater role. He noted that these improvements have contributed to rising public satisfaction with primary care.
Acknowledging the difficult decisions and changes faced by staff, Mackey said the progress made demonstrates what the NHS can achieve when working together. He expressed confidence that this collective effort provides a strong foundation for the year ahead and thanked those working over the festive period.
