Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock MP outlined in the House of Commons on 5th November the Government’s vision on prevention as part of the long-term plan for the NHS.
He began, “Last week, the Chancellor confirmed that the NHS budget would rise by £20.5 billion over the next five years, because we care about the NHS being there for everyone. As well as money, however, reform is crucial. Before Christmas, we will bring forward a long-term plan for the NHS. We know that so much of what contributes to good health comes not just from what happens when someone is in hospital but from what we do to stay out of hospital. Prevention is better than cure. Today I have laid before the House our vision for the prevention of ill health. It covers what the NHS needs to do, including more funding for community and primary care and the better use of technology. The plan also outlines what we need to see more broadly; everyone has a part to play.”
The Minister then went on to talk about smoking cessation, salt intake, new technologies and environmental factors amongst other things. The real promise from a complementary, traditional and natural healthcare point of view is the apparent moves towards greater individual responsibility, looking at patients as a whole person, and patient empowerment as part of the prevention strategy.
Let’s hope that these elements are fully integrated into the long-term plan for the NHS.
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