London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

A radical rethink is needed on the UK's approach to health, according to a group of clinicians, scientists, social entrepreneurs and crossbench peers, writing in The Lancet. The authors set out a manifesto for a healthy and health-creating society, describing a positive vision for how the UK can promote and improve health and at the same time strengthen the economy.

Just as the founding of the NHS in 1948 was a great national movement creating a health service for everyone, today all areas of society from employers, teachers, manufacturers, community groups, as well as citizens and government, need to come together to improve the health of the nation.

Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, who co-authored the manifesto said: "The future of health and healthcare in the UK has never been more uncertain. The NHS is in crisis.

"Regardless of whether the UK manages to leave the EU, the result of the referendum already threatens health sciences, the health workforce, and our role as a force for better health worldwide. This is a time for resolute action, taking advantage of the strength of health sciences in the UK, in academia, industry, and the NHS.

"We call upon the government to provide a clear vision for health research and healthcare, to give it the necessary funds, and to work with everyone concerned to make it a reality."

The UK is a world leader in health, biomedical and life sciences and the authors state these must be at the heart of the UK's future industrial strategy. Their success will crucially depend on having an effective and sustainable health system which can provide a platform for the development of science, expertise and products. 

However, the authors argue that the healthcare system requires a fundamental shift towards providing many more services in homes and communities, working with partners outside health, and embracing new technology. At the same time communities, employers, educators and other organisations can do far more to develop healthy and resilient communities where people can thrive. This transformation will require planning, time and funding. 

Lord Nigel Crisp, crossbench peer and former NHS Chief Executive, said: "The NHS faces severe financial constraints, and leaving the EU is likely to exacerbate many problems including staffing. With a new government comes the opportunity for a clear, bold new strategy. We need a new approach to health that recognises on the one hand the enormous contribution health and biomedical sciences make to the economy, and on the other that every part of society has a role to play in improving health.

"The responsibility for creating a healthy society is much broader than leaving it to health professionals and politicians alone."

Publication

• Nigel Crisp, Prof David Stuckler, Richard Horton, Victor Adebowale, Prof Sue Bailey, Prof Maureen Baker, Prof John Bell, John Bird, Prof Carol Black, Jane Campbell, Janet Davies, Heather Henry, Prof Robert Lechler, Andrew Mawson, Prof Patrick H Maxwell, Prof Martin McKee, Cathy Warwick. Manifesto for a healthy and health-creating society. The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31801-3