Preparing for the future

A patient-centred, clinician-led, locally driven NHS, this was the ambitious ten year vision outlined by Lord Darzi in his High Quality Care for all: NHS Next Stage Review final report.

Having been introduced in 1999, it’s a vision the NHS remains committed to, however we also realise that more needs to be done if the service is to adapt to the current climate, and perhaps more importantly, prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

In future the budgets proposed for the NHS are set to change drastically, so it’s vital that we have all the necessary processes in place to continue delivering the same exceptional standards of care, with potentially reduced resources. It’s also critical that we have the right people in place, people who can rise to new challenges, find innovative ways of working and drive others to do the same.

The coming years are going to require strong leadership and clear direction. And, with the formation of a National Leadership Council, designed to nurture the next generation of NHS leaders, we’re already taking steps to ensure that we have a pipeline of leaders within the organisation.

In addition, it’ll be vital that we never lose sight of the values that drive us and the fact that the NHS belongs to the people. So, whatever the future holds, we will continue to save lives, improve health and show compassion to people when their need is greatest. The Constitution will play a part in defining how we work.

We want all of our people to share in the principles that underpin The Constitution, because in doing so, we’ll see the NHS become faster, smarter, more efficient, effective and flexible. And most crucially, we’ll be better placed to put the patient first.