Reflecting on the NHS 10-Year Plan: A Dual Perspective from Public & Private Healthcare

We have taken the past couple of days to read and reflect on the newly published 10-Year Health Plan for England, and would like to share my initial takeaways and thoughts.

Overall, the plan comes across in a positive manner, addressing some of the long-standing challenges the NHS has faced. It reflects the voices of over 250,000 submissions through the Change NHS website, clearly stating the need for reform. The proposed changes aim to preserve the NHS’s founding principles: to be free of charge, funded by general taxation, and to support those in need of care and support.

It is encouraging to see a clear framework for the three major shifts: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and sickness to prevention. These shifts are designed to empower patients with more control and autonomy, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. The introduction of Neighbourhood Health Centres (NHCs), expanded use of the NHS App, and a stronger focus on preventative care are all steps in the right direction.

This transformation, of course, hinges on the incredible NHS workforce. The plan outlines commitments to staff development, increased apprenticeship opportunities, and the use of AI to reduce administrative burdens. As a firm that works closely with NHS professionals, we are pleased to see staff wellbeing and support placed at the forefront.

Private Healthcare Perspective: What Does This Mean for the Sector?

From a private healthcare standpoint, the 10-Year Plan does not signal any dramatic shifts in volume or demand. However, it does suggest a decentralisation of decision-making, with more autonomy and procurement power moving to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local NHS Trusts, rather than NHS England.

This means that while national contracts may become less common, there will likely be more localised, direct awards. Procurement processes will still be robust, but the relationships and routes to market may shift. For private providers, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity: the volume of work may remain steady, but navigating the new, more localised procurement landscape will be key.

Importantly, the plan acknowledges that without reform, more people will opt out of the NHS and turn to private care if they can afford it. This could subtly increase demand for private services, particularly in diagnostics, elective procedures, and digital health solutions.

Looking Ahead

The NHS 10-Year Plan is ambitious and necessary. It aims to transform the NHS into a more agile, preventative, and digitally enabled system. For both public and private sectors, the next few years will be about adapting to new structures, building local partnerships, and ensuring that patient care, regardless of provider, remains at the heart of everything we do.

We also recognise, however, that for individuals in organisations such as Healthwatch and NHS England, this period of change may bring uncertainty. For anyone seeking new opportunities, career advice, or recruitment support, please do not hesitate to get in touch: Corinne.attwood@berwickpartners.co.uk