Confed17 opens with call for health review

Stephen Dorrell, chairman of the NHS Confederation, has delivered the opening speech at Confed17, arguing that a thorough review of long term demand patterns in health and care is needed.

Confed17, taking place on 14-15 June at the ACC Liverpool, enables the health and care sector to come together to debate what the government changes mean in practice for the NHS. In light of the recent general election and impending Brexit, the timing of the event could not be more appropriate.

Giving the opening speech, Dorrell highlighted the ‘extraordinary’ nature of the ‘daily practice of those who work in the health and care system’, using the recent terrorist attacks in Manchester and London to highlight the remarkable work of the doctors, nurses and paramedics.

Discussing the ongoing aims of the NHS, Dorrell commented on the need of the NHS to be part of ‘the global health community’, continuing to ‘recruit in and contribute to the global health talent pool’, before emphasising the importance of creating a working ‘culture which empowers and motivates’ staff.

Discussing the role of the NHS Confederation, Dorrell said that ‘at a time when Whitehall will continue to be distracted by other priorities, we are beginning to see new partnerships with local government in which people are willing to make decisions which our traditional structures find difficult’.

The NHS Confederation represents 85 per cent of NHS providers and commissioners, and has nearly 500 members across health and social care, including hospitals, community and mental health providers, ambulance trusts and independent sector organisations providing NHS care.