Back to Basics with Tough Decisions and a Focus on Frontline Healthcare

Back to Basics with Tough Decisions

The NHS is facing a new era of "back to basics" under Health Secretary Wes Streeting's 2025 mandate. This revised approach aims to tackle overspending and streamline the organization, focusing on frontline healthcare and prioritizing patient needs.

Reduced waiting times: An expanded NHS App will improve communication with patients and carers, while investment in data and digital will boost access to GP appointments.

The government will invest in data and digital solutions to improve access to GP appointments and coordinate health and social care services.

New infrastructure for mental health crisis support will be provided to avoid unnecessary A&E attendance, while neighborhood health services will aim to reduce hospital admissions.

100,000 additional people will be referred for urgent cancer checks within a four-week timeframe.

However, achieving these goals will require tough decisions. The NHS must find £325 million in savings and shrink its organization by 15%, which means cutting staff and some programs. This has raised concerns among health bodies who fear important programs may be sidelined, jeopardizing patient and staff well-being.

Despite these challenges, the government remains optimistic. Financial rewards will be offered to high-performing NHS organizations, and the mandate is seen as a step towards "recovery" for the health service.

"The last Labour government delivered the shortest waiting times and the highest patient satisfaction on record," Streeting said. "It won't be easy, but together we'll do it again.