Minister for Care visits Ipswich to hear views on NHS

The Department of Health and Social Care has been holding a series of engagement events across the country to seek views on access to care and the health service.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, and Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, spoke to more than 100 people in the town on Saturday on how the health service will be improved. 

The Minister for Care heard from more than 100 residents (Image: Stephen Kinnock/Department of Health and Social Care) "I was delighted to join over 100 residents in Ipswich, all of whom are passionate about getting our NHS back on its feet," said Mr Kinnock. 

 “We can only build an NHS fit for the future by working hand in hand with local communities.

"It's crucial that we hear directly from people all over the country about their experiences and ideas for improvement, and the insights shared today will help shape a healthcare system that works for everyone.

"I encourage everyone to visit change.nhs.uk and share their ideas to help."

Views gathered from the public engagement exercise will form part of the government's 10-year health plan, due to be published in Spring 2025.

Residents in attendance at the event said people were "open-minded" about the ideas put forward. 

“I think everyone's been really open minded, and I think there's not a single person at that table back there who hasn't taken something that someone else has said, and we've then formed a better idea," said one person.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, said: “I’ve spoken to patients, family members and NHS staff with a whole host of experiences, both good and bad. But everyone is united in the common goal of wanting to build a stronger NHS that is fit for the future.”