The East of England LGA calls for a system wide approach to defining what ‘the sickness to prevention shift’ means at place level and a shared understanding amongst health and care partners.

The 10 Year Health Plan, due to be published in the Spring, is a key part of the government’s health mission to build a health service fit for the future. It follows the Darzi Review, published in September 24 which set out the major challenges faced by health and care services.

In response to a ‘workshop in a box’ engagement exercise led by the Department for Health and Social Care and the NHS, the East of England LGA held a Roundtable Discussion on 6 February to gather insights to share with the government on behalf of local councils in the region.

Focusing on one of the three proposed shifts ‘preventing sickness not just treating it’, there was a strong call for government to recognise:

• Improved health outcomes cannot be improved by the NHS alone. There must be a system wide approach to defining what ‘the sickness to prevention shift’ means at place level, taking account of local needs and the role of different health and local government partners without duplicating efforts.
• The root causes of ill health and the significant economic, social and environmental factors affecting health inequalities and the strength of local partnerships in addressing these.
• The need for social care reform and longer-term flexible budgets for Integrated Care Systems to support place-based priorities.
• The evidence of the ‘Return of Investment’ in preventative measures in community and primary care settings.

As the Devolution framework evolves, it is vital that government works in partnership with local council and health leaders to leverage changes that will support better health and care integration and improved health outcomes for communities across the East of England.

To read EELGA’s feedback click here

To read EELGA’s representation to the Spring Spending Review which sets out the case for investment in preventative interventions to reduce demand on public services and improve health outcomes here