The Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, has welcomed the launch of the NHS’s long-term plan, announced jointly by the Prime Minister and NHS chief, Simon Stevens, last week.
Launching the new 10-year plan, which has been developed in partnership with frontline health and care staff, patients and their families, the Prime Minister set out measures to improve out-of-hospital care, maternity safety, support for older people through personalised care and bringing digital health services into the mainstream.
The long-term plan, which will be supported by a long-term funding commitment – with the NHS England budget increasing by £20.5 billion in real terms over the next five years compared to today – could save up to 500,000 lives by focusing on prevention and early detection.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said:
“As Eastleigh’s MP I have met with countless constituents during my local advice surgeries who are living with varying physical and mental health conditions and seeking help and support. This long-term plan will address their concerns and improve our chances of giving everyone the best start in life, helping our communities live well and people to age well.
“I particularly welcome the focus that the new plan has on prevention, something that I have raised during questions and speeches in the House of Commons on a whole range of health related topics from the effects of smoking to improving our mental health, our use of vaginal mesh implants to heart conditions and supporting organisations like Cardiac Risk in the Young.
“Good healthcare is vital to our communities and this plan, backed by the government’s multi-billion-pound investment, will provide important safeguards to our healthcare system and save countless lives. Meanwhile, this comprehensive plan for our NHS will ensure that this substantial extra cash will be used where it is most needed, a key factor for my constituents.”
The 10-year plan also includes measures to prevent 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases, and better access to mental health services for adults and children.
Meanwhile, as former chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Carers and as the Minister for Loneliness, the Eastleigh MP welcomed support for older people through more personalised care and stronger community and primary care services.