MillionPlus comment on the NHS Ten Year Health Plan

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has commented on the government’s NHS Ten Year Health Plan, published today (3 July).

Vanessa O’Donnell, MillionPlus Head of Public Affairs, said:

“The government’s ten-year plan for the NHS outlines a bold vision for healthcare as the country enters the second quarter of the 21^st century, a vision that will not be possible to deliver without the staff who are the backbone of the NHS. Those staff, from doctors and nurses, to physiotherapists and medical technicians, are overwhelmingly trained at universities, making these institutions vital partners in this plan.

“It is encouraging to see a focus and commitment to harnessing technology within the plan, as this is central to the education and training offer across our member universities. With many having invested millions in state-of-the-art simulation suites, enabling them to better train the vast majority of future nurses, midwives and paramedics, MillionPlus universities will be central partners in achieving the change outlined in this plan and the forthcoming NHS workforce plan.

 “The government’s aim to increase the number of those from disadvantaged backgrounds entering medicine is to be applauded, as is taking care more into the community. With modern universities’ close partnerships with local NHS Trusts, it is vital that the voice of healthcare profession educators is placed at the heart of these plans, especially as the government explores the future shape of clinical placements. These universities, which do so much to widen access in their communities as key anchor institutions, will be keen to share their insights and long experience into how that aim can be reached.

“Our members look forward to engaging with the government and wider stakeholders in the coming months to ensure these ambitions are underpinned with a robust and comprehensive implementation plan and coupled with the necessary funding to achieve them.”

ENDS

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Rachel Hewitt on 07795645241 or email ceo@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Think Modern: Innovation, ingenuity and inclusion from Britain's modern universities - FACTS AND STATS