Health secretary Steve Barclay has delivered a speech at the IHPN Annual Summit and Dinner 2023, discussing how partnering with the independent sector can help diagnose and treat more patients.

He stated that the focus at the Department of Health and Social Care is to diagnose and treat conditions quicker, as this leads to better patient outcomes and is cheaper to deliver.

Barclay said that's why he strongly supports working with the independent sector.

The speech highlight top stories from the health sector including the Long Term Workforce Plan, Community Diagnostic Centres, Mobile Screening provision, and reducing waiting times and the backlog.

Barclay said: "So, in conclusion, our priorities are very clear. To diagnose patients faster. To give them more choice and control. To embrace technology and innovation. To deliver training for the long term. And by working in partnership with you colleagues in the independent sector, we can deliver all of these things. So, together, let’s build an NHS that puts the patient first."

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