Response to the NHS 10 Year Plan

We’ve Been Heard. Now Let’s Make It Happen.

The newly released NHS 10-Year Health Plan marks a long-overdue turning point. Prevention is now being recognised not just as a policy priority, but as the foundation of a sustainable health system. This shift reflects what BSLM has long championed, and signals that the system is finally prepared to act.

To help drive this change, we provided input into the NHS Change campaign with your help and recently met with Douglas Alexander, MP for Lothian East, and presented three clear asks which have now been shared with Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Whilst we await his response, we’re sharing the below in the hope that BSLM Members, and those aware of the value Lifestyle medicine can bring, are able to reiterate this message to your local MP directly and within your health organisations and widely within your place and ICBs, influencing health promotion policy and public health, ensuring Lifestyle medicine, and skills to deliver preventive care, are prevalent in the implementation plan we expect to follow the 10-Year Plan.

First, we called for lifestyle medicine training for every healthcare professional, for themselves and their patients. The plan answers this with new training routes, workforce development, and a stronger focus on prevention at the frontline. The skills gained through Lifestyle medicine education will ensure better outcomes and improved access to healthcare for all, ensuring lifestyle medicine is not only about prevention, but also for treatment and reversal of long-term health conditions.

Second, we pushed for funding to deliver evidence-based lifestyle related care. The new Neighbourhood Health Service promises wraparound support close to home, with community-based teams managing long-term conditions, digital tools for personalised care, and Personal Health Budgets for one-million people by 2030 ensuring that everyone has support to sustain the lifestyle changes required for improved health. Lifestyle Medicine is a key enabler in the delivery of the neighbourhood health strategy. Group Clinics are an evidence based delivery mechanism to use the skill sets of the multidisciplinary team, bringing together key members across primary, secondary, community and VCSE sector teams through integrated neighbourhood teams.

Third, we highlighted the need for national leadership to change how health is understood by the public. The plan responds by calling for increased public awareness about the health risks of alcohol, the impact of an individual’s environment on their health, and tighter controls on food marketing. This acknowledges a key principle of lifestyle medicine – the importance of addressing the socio-economic determinants of health.

This is a step in the right direction, but a strategy is only as strong as its delivery.

Now, we need your help to turn these commitments into reality.

Did you join us for the Lifestyle medicine for the Workforce first event? Hundreds did, but if you missed it, or would like to share with your colleagues – you can do so here. There’s also free access to the Tools of LM including Group Consultations training, support and implementation proven to enhance HCP satisfaction.