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Reflections on the 10 Year Health Plan

Jill de Bene

5 August 2025

It’s early days, but after four weeks of digesting the 10 Year Health Plan, one thing is clear: while it’s not yet a fully formed plan, it is one of the most visionary documents NHS England has produced in years. It’s sparking serious, necessary conversations, and that alone is a sign of progress.

At SmartCo Future Health, we’ve leaned into this dialogue with a series of whole-company brown bag sessions, unpacking the detail and reflecting on what it means for us, not just as consumers of healthcare, but as partners to those who deliver it. The plan is refreshingly honest. It acknowledges that despite previous initiatives like the Workforce Plan and Cloud Plus (published in 2013), expectations haven’t been met. What’s different now is the ambition to pull everything together, even social care, which, while still underrepresented, is finally part of the conversation. The direction is promising.

Consider this: the average NHS Trust operates around 250 systems, and at least 6% of those are labelled as EPRs. But what does “EPR” really mean in practice? I know of two hospitals with more than 15 separate systems all referred to as EPRs. That’s not integration – that’s fragmentation.

We need to listen to users. Understand how well the technology supports the reimagined models of care we aspire to deliver. Optimisation isn’t just about systems, it’s about capabilities, training and user experience. When staff feel supported and empowered to use technology effectively, they see the benefits, not just in their workflows, but in the quality of care they provide.

One of our recent brown bag sessions led me to pick up Hacking Humanity by Lara Lewington, a thought-provoking read that’s helping me explore the intersection of technology, empathy and the future of human-centred care. In Chapter 15, Lara tackles a question that should be at the heart of every health strategy: how do we ensure “everyone, everywhere” benefits from prevention as much as treatment?

It’s a call to rebalance our investments, to prioritise prevention with the same urgency we give to treatment. And it’s only possible if we get the systems and data interoperability right. When we connect the dots across platforms, providers and pathways, we unlock the insights needed to help our health spans better match our lifespans. That’s the kind of transformation worth striving for.

About Jill

With over 30 years of leadership experience across the NHS and private sector, Jill brings deep expertise in digital transformation, complex programme delivery and people-first change. She’s passionate about using technology as an enabler to drive better health outcomes and operational efficiency.

About SmartCo Future Health

SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

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