Campaign reply - Briefing: The Health & Care Act - what’s going on?

Thank you for contacting me about measures in the Health and Care Act.

I completely agree with you that the unprecedented nature of the Covid-19 pandemic reminded us how vital our health and care system is to all of us. I want to assure you that the NHS will always be free at the point of use.

As we build back better from this pandemic, it is right and necessary that our health and care services are at the forefront. The pandemic underlined not only the dedication and skill of those in this sector, but also the necessity of a broader, more integrated health and care system. Better integrated care between the NHS, Local Government and other partners including the voluntary and community sector, is vital in tackling the factors that affect the long-term sustainability of patient services. The Act made permanent some of the innovations brought about by the pandemic. These reforms also include proper accountability mechanisms and give patients and the public the confidence that they are receiving the best care from their healthcare system. 

The measures set out in the Health and Care Act deliver on the NHS’s own proposals for reform in its Long Term Plan which were developed in consultation with key stakeholders in this sector. It is reassuring to hear the comments from the former Chief Executive of NHS England, who said that this Act “will support our health and care services to be more integrated and innovative so the NHS can thrive in the decades to come”.

 

EveryDoctor fights for a better NHS – an aim I fully support. This is why the Health and Care Act has not only builds on proposals for legislative change set out by NHS England in its Long Term but also incorporates valuable lessons learnt from the pandemic to benefit both staff and patients to aid the rebuilding of our health and social care services, backed by £36 billion over the next three years.

The Act has developed a more integrated care system by, for example, addressing the barriers to joined-up working by supporting data sharing between health and social care. Additionally, it has removed needless bureaucracy in the system, which will allow staff to get on with their jobs providing the best possible treatment and care for their local populations. 

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.