In a recent NHS Confederation blog, Professor Sir Chris Ham, former CEO of The King’s Fund, called for revisiting the 2002 Wanless Report to better manage health service demand by actively engaging the public in improving their own health.
With the Spending Review approaching, increased scrutiny of NHS expenditure is expected. The Wanless Report highlighted that greater public engagement in health could reduce NHS spending. However, challenges like rising obesity, stagnating life expectancy, and growing health inequalities have worsened since the report’s publication.
Emphasising self-care, prevention, and community-based services is essential to easing the burden on the NHS. Additionally, stronger regulation of industries such as food and drink is needed.
Helen Donovan, Chair of the Self-Care Forum, agreed with Professor Sir Ham’s view, stating, “Prioritising self-care, prevention, and public engagement is crucial for the long-term sustainability of the NHS and for reducing health inequalities. Our research tells us that better information and advice on self-care is what the public want.”
