King's Speech sets out significant NHS reforms

NHS reforms 

This year’s programme includes significant NHS reforms, notably the abolition of NHS England - the national body that oversees the NHS - with its functions set to be transferred to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

The changes outlined in this NHS Modernisations Bill will reshape how the health system operates. It will therefore be essential that these reforms support the effective delivery of the national cancer plan and lead to improved outcomes for teenagers and young people facing cancer.

Single Patient Record presents promising opportunity 

The needs of teenagers and young people with cancer are complex and distinct. Driving the changes needed to improve their outcomes will require a sustained focus, investment, and a commitment to delivering age-appropriate, specialised care. 

The new Health Bill proposes a Single Patient Record, which presents a promising opportunity. This would require hospitals, GPs and other NHS providers to share patient data, bringing together an individual’s health information in one accessible place. If implemented effectively, it has the potential to improve coordination between services, support smoother transitions between paediatric, teenagers and young adult and adult care, and strengthen collaboration between Principal Treatment Centres and Designated Hospitals, reducing the risk of young people falling through the gaps.

But digital transformation must be matched by better access to age-appropriate support. Every young person with cancer should receive care that reflects their unique physical, mental and social needs, delivered by expert specialised healthcare professionals. 

The government must ensure meaningful representation from teenagers and young people

The Bill also proposes developing a new Patient Experience Directorate within the DHSC, to embed the public’s voice in policy development. The government must ensure that this includes meaningful representation from teenagers and young people. We know from our #AndYoungPeople campaign that too often, their perspectives are overlooked in discussions about cancer care.

With the national cancer plan now published, the priority must be on delivery. This includes ensuring that any system reform supports its implementation and achieves meaningful change. The plan must fulfil its commitments on faster diagnosis, better data, and long-term support for those living with and beyond cancer and, this must include a clear and sustained focus on improving the outcomes and experiences of young people with cancer.  

We will continue to monitor the changes announced to understand more about what they may mean for the NHS in England and the delivery of cancer care.