Roundup of the new health policy announcements

There’s been a lot of new health policy announcements recently, with more to come this spring. Hear from our Research Manager, Anne Janssen, and Client Partner, Ed Grunill as they discuss these new policies.

Anne discusses The Road to Recovery mandate to NHS England as announced by Wes Streeting.

Ed covers the NHS’ shift towards community care which is gaining momentum.

NHS England published the following guidance for the NHS in January 2025:

•       NHS England 2025/26 priorities and operational planning guidance: Guidance tells the NHS to live within its means and sets out the priorities for the NHS including reducing waits at A&E, for elective care, improving access to GPs and urgent dental care and mental health pathways. Includes new guidance for ICBs on the development of neighbourhood health services.

•       Reforming Elective Care for Patients: With 6.3 million patients awaiting appointments, procedures, or operations, and 40% of these waiting more than 18 weeks, there is increasing demands on the NHS. This new report outlining its strategy to tackle long-standing challenges in elective care by empowering patients, improving service delivery, and aligning resources with care priorities.

•       NHS England new operating model for 2025/26: New Operating Model designed to give ICBs and Trusts greater autonomy while ensuring a more streamlined and supportive role from NHSE. This shift aligns with the broader move towards devolution outlined in the 2025/26 Planning Guidance.

•       NHS England 2025/26 Neighbourhood Health Guidelines: Guidance and clarity for local systems on new requirements, highlighting six priority areas. Neighbourhood health will reinforce a new way of working for the NHS, local government, social care and their partners.

More plans to be published in spring 2025:

•       10 Year Health Plan: The long awaited new comprehensive strategy will set out how an NHS ‘fit for the future’ will be delivered, creating a modern health service designed to meet the changing needs of the changing population. It is being co-developed with input from the public, NHS healthcare staff and with the wider health community through a national engagement exercise.

•       The National Cancer Plan: To be published after the 10 Year Health Plan. The National Cancer Plan will be part of this programme of reform, aiming to reduce lives lost to cancer, one of the biggest killers, and to deliver improved care and patient experience through the 3 shifts.