Responding to the launch of the Ten-Year Health Plan, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
‘We know that disabled people face significant barriers and inequalities when accessing healthcare. The shifts and commitments in this plan provide a welcome blueprint for change, which should improve the options available to people, reduce duplication and enhance inclusion. The focus on improving access through neighbourhood settings and increasing support based in and on the needs of communities also sounds promising, but only if the NHS looks beyond itself and truly embraces partnership with the third sector.
‘Many of the solutions the plan seeks to implement are already delivered by the voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE) sector, but without the investment and scalability needed to maximise their potential. We hope as part of the plan’s ambitions for a more responsive and person-centred system; the NHS is encouraged to harness third sector expertise.
‘Only by reframing relationships, as well as systems in the NHS, will this plan fully address the inequity experienced by disabled people and improve outcomes for all.’