Event
26 March, 2025
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Preventing illness: shifting upstream from the NHS

Moving upstream, and addressing health challenges before they escalate into chronic conditions or acute crises, requires a shift in how we think about healthcare delivery in Britain. Successive government investments have focused on hospitals and specialist support, as backlogs have grown. It is clearer than ever that this is not a sustainable approach. By prioritising prevention, we can build a healthier population and ease the pressure on overstretched NHS services.  

However, implementing this shift comes with complex challenges. The NHS and wider health sector need to rethink resource allocation, invest in community health initiatives, and empower local leaders to promote long-term health interventions, even if it sometimes comes at the cost of immediate acute demand. Realising this vision requires collaboration not just within health, but across services.  

Reform is delighted to welcome Tom Riordan CBE, Second Permanent Secretary at the Department for Health and Social Care, to examine how we can build a preventative State in the health system.

This is a private roundtable which will be held under the Chatham House rule and is kindly supported by Newton.