Change NHS: Have your say about the future of the NHS in England
The government and NHS have launched Change NHS to have “the biggest ever conversation” about the future of the NHS in England. This is your chance to share your experiences, ideas and views on the NHS.
What is Change NHS?
Change NHS is a consultation that's open to everyone, from the public to NHS staff, from charities to businesses. The consultation asks for views on three big changes that the government wants to make to how the NHS works.
It will be used to shape the government’s 10-year Health Plan which will be published in spring 2025. The plan will focus on three big ‘shifts’ in healthcare:
- moving more care from hospitals to communities
- making better use of technology
- preventing sickness, not just treating it
How can I take part?
The Change NHS website has three ways that you can get involved directly:
- a survey where you can share your ideas and views about the best parts of the NHS, what the challenges are, and your own experiences
- a form for you to share your own experiences of healthcare in more detail
- an opportunity to share specific ideas you have for change
Get involved on the Change NHS website
You can share anything you think is important when filling out the survey. But some things that come up often from our community, that you might want to include, are:
- better access to treatments, such as Disease Modifying Treatments (DMTs)
- postcode lottery in accessing treatment, care and support
- long waiting lists for neurology appointments
- lack of mental health support
- having to repeat yourself because services aren’t joined up
How we’re getting involved
We’ve submitted a response as the MS Society. In our response, we shared our most recent evidence and insights from our community and policy recommendations to improve the NHS in England. If introduced, our policy recommendations would support people with MS to get the right care at the right time, no matter who they are, where they live or their circumstances.
What happens next?
There are going to be lots of conversations happening over the coming months about the future of the NHS in England. We’ll continue to call on the NHS and government to make sure people living with MS get the health and care they need in England.
After the consultation, the government will finalise their 10-year health plan. The government have said they'll publish their plan next year.
What about the NHS in other parts of the UK?
This consultation is being run by NHS England, so it's only open to those living in England. If any other opportunities to influence the shape of the NHS come up in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland we'll update you so you can also get involved.
#BackThe1in6 campaign win!
This week, the Government launched the first ever UK-wide Neuro Forum. This Neuro Forum is a step forward for the 1 in 6 people in the UK living with a neurological condition, including people with MS. It will address gaps in treatment and improve access to support and services.
As one of the over 100 organisations who proudly supported the #BackThe1in6 campaign, this is a big win. And we’ll continue to work for improvements to NHS neurology services for everyone.
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When we work together, we can achieve real change.
