The Health Foundation responds to Conservative Party Conference address on the future of the NHS

Today the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt MP, addressed audiences at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. As part of his speech he called for personal care and control for patients.

Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation, commented:

'Person-centred care is something that we at the Foundation are serious about, particularly shared decision making and self management support. We know that supporting people to take an active role in their care can increase their wellbeing by supporting them to make decisions and feel more in control.

'This week we are launching a new report that will show that many people want to play an active role in their health care. It also shows how person-centred care can improve patient experience, health care quality and health outcomes.

'For person centred-care to be realised across the NHS, fundamental changes are needed in the education and training given to both patients and clinicians. Politicians and policy makers need to create a supportive, long-term environment to realise this vision.'

Media contact

Mike Findlay, Media Manager
T: 020 7257 8047
E: mike.findlay@health.org.uk

Notes to Editors

On Thursday 2 October, the Health Foundation is publishing 'Person-centred care: From ideas to action'; a research report and accompanying documents that synthesise current knowledge on shared decision making and self-management support and how to make these an integral feature of health care.