Response to Sir John Oldham's report on whole person care

Commenting on the publication of the Sir John Oldham’s review, Professor Norman Williams, President of College of surgeons said:

‘There is no doubt that the health service needs to adapt to keep pace with the changing health needs of an older population. We welcome Sir John Oldham’s review and the challenges he identifies of making all parts of the health and social care system work together for the patient. We fully support the principle of integrating health and social care and believe the benefits of greater collaboration across physical, mental, and social care services would herald a positive move for both patients and clinicians.

‘We are pleased that proposals do not involve another wholesale reorganisation of the health service but instead strengthen existing local health organisations in a way that can improve outcomes for patients particularly with long-term conditions.

‘Engagement with public must not be tokenistic. Patients and the public need to be at the centre of the debates surrounding the health and care system and we welcome the recommendation for a national conversation.’

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is committed to enabling surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. Registered charity number: 212808.

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