ABSTRACT
The challenges for the NHS are many. At this stage the role of politicians and the social contract needs to be addressed. In addition, workforce planning is crucial and this needs to look at recruitment as well as retention. There must be a long term NHS plan which goes beyond a single parliament. The politicians should be encouraged but must have experience of the service. Dr Hallett emphasizes the strengths of the NHS which are to do with care from pre-conception to post death. The fact that it is free at the point of contact and need is the founding principle and needs to remain so. In addition to workforce planning there needs to be a degree of inter-connectedness with other areas such as education, housing, employment, city design. Delivering services in the community can help reduce transport to hospitals and make services sustainable.
