On 3 July, the Government launched a new 10-Year Health Plan as part of its mission to build a health service fit for the future. The plan sets out how the NHS will be transformed through three key shifts woven throughout: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. Key points relating to young people include:

  • Neighbourhood Health Centres – These centres will bring together GPs, allied health professionals, social workers, and voluntary services. They will operate for a minimum of six days per week and twelve hours per day.
  • Mental Health Support – The plan recognises the growing demand for mental health services. With 50% of mental illnesses developing before the age of 18, mental health support in schools will be increased. Additional provision will also help people enter and remain in employment.
  • NHS App – The plan outlines a shift to a digital NHS, providing patients and staff with access to tools such as the Single Patient Record and a redesigned NHS App, which will serve as the main access point for services. It also promotes closer collaboration with libraries, community groups, schools, charities, and voluntary sector providers to support digital onboarding and social prescribing via the NHS App.
  • Dental Care – The lack of access to community dental services is also acknowledged. Extractions and other dental complications are currently the leading cause of hospitalisation among children aged five to nine. To address this, the plan commits to expanding community dental care, commissioning more dental therapists, and advancing water fluoridation.