Foreword: A view from Dr Penny Dash, Chair

I am honoured to have been appointed the new Chair of NHS England at a vital moment for
our health service, one that requires a sustained programme of reform to ensure an NHS fit
for the future.

The challenges before us are significant. With more and more people living with long term conditions and in poor health, continued unacceptable variation in quality of care and
7.6 million people waiting for treatment and public satisfaction at record lows, the case has never been stronger. Yet within these challenges lies an opportunity to reimagine healthcare
for generations to come.

I am particularly energised by the three transformative shifts at the heart of our 10-Year Health Plan: moving care from hospital to community, transitioning from analogue to digital systems, and shifting our focus from sickness to prevention. These changes are not merely aspirational – they are essential to the very survival of our health service.

The recent Spending Review announcement demonstrates the government’s commitment,
with £29 billion additional annual funding by 2028/29. However, as someone who has worked
in healthcare for many years, I know that investment must be paired with meaningful reform to truly deliver for patients and communities.

I want to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our NHS England staff during this period of significant change. As neither Jim nor I were in post during the reporting period,
I particularly want to thank the previous senior leadership team who provided exemplary
service throughout this time. The planned organisational integration with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in no way reflects on the talent, expertise and commitment amongst our workforce.

I’ve been deeply impressed by the resilience shown by colleagues who have continued to
drive improvements in patient care while facing uncertainty about their future. Their
unwavering focus on what matters most, the health and wellbeing of the nation, demonstrates the very best of public service values.

The 10-Year Health Plan represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the NHS in order to improve health, access to care and address the persistent health inequalities that continue to plague our society. I look forward to playing my part in this vital mission, ensuring our NHS continues to serve the needs of its patients and wider communities while remaining true to its founding principles.

Dr Penny Dash
Chair, NHS England