The NHS 10 Year Plan: A place based view - part two

The NHS 10-Year Plan is a key part of the government’s commitment to shaping a health service that meets future needs and challenges. The plan is designed to tackle current pressures whilst laying the groundwork for a more sustainable health service.

In February 2025, Healthwatch Thurrock published their ‘Part One’ report which focused on qualitative feedback around the three shifts. This report is our ‘Part Two’ response to the NHS 10 Year Plan which has a more quantitative nature.  They ran a survey, based on that run by the Department for Health and Social Care.

Residents of Thurrock highlighted that being empowered to manage their health starts with easier access to personalised records, regular check-ins with professionals, and clearer signposting to local services that support both physical and mental wellbeing. When asked about early discussions around palliative care, responses were thoughtful and varied—many people agreed such conversations are essential but must be timed carefully and delivered sensitively, taking into account each individual’s readiness and personal context. There was a strong sense that personal responsibility plays a significant role in managing health, but that this needs to be matched with accessible, informed support. 

In terms of accessing care, the majority of respondents were comfortable speaking to other professionals like pharmacists, nurses, or mental health practitioners if it meant being seen faster. Community-based settings such as mobile clinics, community centres, and pharmacies were all seen as acceptable locations to receive care. However, residents expressed concern that shifting care away from GPs could lead to disjointed services. Many worried about a lack of continuity, unfamiliarity with new professionals, and a fear that important details about their history might be missed. These responses suggest that while Thurrock residents are open to new models of care, trust and seamless communication across services remain vital.

Supporting healthcare staff was another key theme. A large portion of respondents supported the idea that staff should have a holistic understanding of a patient’s health, rather than focusing only on a specific issue. While some were concerned about privacy and the potential loss of specialist focus, most people were comfortable with this broader approach. There was also widespread support for having dedicated staff to help residents navigate the NHS and access appropriate services, a practical solution that may be particularly helpful in areas like Thurrock, where varying levels of health literacy and complex needs exist. 

When considering fairness and improving outcomes for those most in need, Thurrock residents backed the idea of prioritising resources towards prevention and support for vulnerable communities. There was also overwhelming support for offering higher pay or reduced student loans to attract and retain health professionals in underserved areas. This reflects a clear understanding of local staffing challenges and the impact of workforce shortages on care access and quality.

The use of technology was seen as a potential enabler, though opinions were mixed. While many residents were open to using the NHS App, a significant number expressed concerns about data privacy and the risk of digital exclusion. Despite this, others had no concerns and supported greater digital integration, including the creation of a single patient record that professionals across services can access. This would help reduce repetition and ensure consistency in care, a priority frequently raised by residents.