The 10 Year Health Plan, published on 3 July, is an ambitious plan to improve health outcomes and experiences for patients. It provides details about how the government will achieve its goals of shifting care from hospitals to communities, embracing digital solutions, and prioritising prevention over sickness. Some of key aspirations outlined in the plan include:
- The launch of a neighbourhood health service in local communities across the country to improve access to services.
- A plan to create a single, accessible patient record for every individual.
- Improving the NHS app so that it becomes a "digital front door" to the NHS, enabling patients to easily book appointments, manage their medicines, self-refer to services, and connect with healthcare professionals.
- Improving overall health by initiatives such as creating a ‘smoke-free generation’ through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and launching a ‘healthy food standard’ to make healthy choices easier.
How will this affect cancer care?
There is not much specific detail about cancer treatment and care in the plan. We understand this is because the National Cancer Plan is still being developed - publication is expected this autumn. The Department of Health and Social Care has said, “Through the National Cancer Plan we will connect the foundations provided by the 10 Year Plan to genuinely improve the experience of cancer patients and their future health outcomes”. We are told that cancer services will lead the way in testing and rolling out the new ways of working from the 10 Year Plan.
Generally, however, we are particularly pleased to note:
- The commitment to reduce inequalities in the system.
- The introduction of a single patient record.
- The mention of self-referral for tests and specialist care.
- Expanded access to genomic services, early detection tests, and diagnostics.
- The opportunity for neighbourhood health centres to transform the experience of those living with and beyond cancer.
- The commitment to improving collaboration between NICE and MHRA, to simplify the approval process for new drugs.
Of course, we recognise that the successful implementation of the 10 Year Health Plan will depend on a strong workforce strategy, sufficient resources and clear governance.
Next steps for Lymphoma Action
We will work to influence the National Cancer Plan, highlighting that blood cancer needs to be considered alongside the most common cancers and advocating for consistent patient involvement.
We will continue to push for greater collaboration between the NHS and patient organisations like Lymphoma Action, to help patients benefit from our services.
We will keep up to date with the implementation of the 10 Year Health Plan and its impact on people affected by lymphoma. For example, we will be ready to support anyone who needs help with using the new NHS app to get the best out of the features available.