Sunderland’s health is set to be boosted thanks to a new plan, released by Government, that has been warmly welcomed by Sunderland Labour Group leaders.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister unveiled a ground-breaking 10-year health plan, ‘Fit for the Future,’ setting out a transformative vision for the NHS that will bring about huge improvements to healthcare services across the country.
The comprehensive plan, which prioritises care closer to home, digital innovation, and a shift towards prevention, is set to improve the way Sunderland residents access and experience healthcare as it is rolled out in the coming weeks and months.
Councillor Kelly Chequer, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Safer Communities, believes the plan will deliver significant benefits for residents across Sunderland, with high levels of health inequality meaning a larger proportion of residents in the city regularly access health services, compared with the rest of the UK.
She said: “This 10-year health plan is precisely what the country and Sunderland needs. For too long, our local NHS services have faced immense pressure, and this plan offers a pathway to a healthier future for all our residents.
“The commitment to delivering more care in our communities, rather than solely relying on hospitals, is a game-changer. It means easier access to GPs, more local services, and a stronger focus on keeping people well in the first place.
“As someone who has worked in healthcare for many years, I have seen first-hand the pressure our NHS has been under in the years since the coalition Government, and then the Conservative Government that followed, starved it of cash and hindered innovation.
“The NHS is a lifeline for many, and we need to preserve and protect it at all costs. We are lucky to have such a system, and listening to people like Nigel Farage talk of privatising healthcare rise to power utterly terrifies so many people in Sunderland who rely on healthcare that is free at the point of access and fit for purpose, to support them in managing their health. It is time to see investment in this service, and new ideas, and Labour is offering just that.”
Cllr Chequer, who is a trained nurse, said a focus on service improvements through digital and an emphasis on a preventative approach will bring about wide-ranging benefits to the service and the people who use it.
“We know that prevention is better than cure. This plan’s emphasis on tackling ill health before it takes hold, by reaching patients earlier and empowering healthier choices, will have a profound long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of Sunderland.
“This national plan aligns perfectly with our local priorities for a healthier city, promising a sustainable and forward-looking approach to public health, protecting and improving our NHS for years to come.”