I commend Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for his initiative in conducting an independent investigation into the state of the NHS, led by Professor Lord Ara Darzi. This comprehensive review is a crucial step toward identifying and addressing the systemic challenges facing our health service.
Its focus on productivity and efficiency is essential, yet it must encompass a broader perspective that includes preventing and managing avoidable chronic diseases. Chronic diseases, driven by socioeconomic, environmental, and commercial determinants of health will need strong policy and public health action accompanied by a greater emphasis on supporting people with lifestyle factors within the healthcare system. Integrating Lifestyle Medicine, including group consultations, into standard healthcare practice can improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and significantly reduce healthcare costs.
Lifestyle Medicine emphasises the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to health, which involves collaboration among healthcare providers, Public Health experts, and community organisations. This approach aligns with the review’s goal to create a sustainable and effective NHS that meets the needs of the population.
The BSLM advocates that our NHS focuses on preventing, managing and enhancing health and well-being through Lifestyle Interventions throughout our healthcare systems and communities. We have recently outlined our ‘Blueprint for Health’ (available here) which describes our recent recommendations to the new Government.
BSLM is committed to supporting this review and would welcome the opportunity to submit its expertise in Lifestyle Medicine to help shape a future where the NHS can provide equitable, sustainable and effective patient-centred care.
Dr Alex Maxwell
President, British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM)
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