Health

In an era marked by unprecedented advances in technology, the intersection of AI, healthcare, and life sciences has paved the way for improved medical practice, research, and patient care. From predictive diagnostics to personalized treatment plans, AI is revolutionising how healthcare is delivered and experienced in the UK.

On 30 January 2024, Wes Streeting MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, launched Labour’s new Life Sciences Strategy at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. The new plan seeks to reform and modernise the NHS as well as capture the economic potential in the life sciences sector, supporting one of Labour’s key missions for the UK to have the highest sustained growth in the G7.

The UK’s political parties held their annual Party Conferences in September and October this year. They provided an opportunity to promote their policies and outline their respective political agendas ahead of the upcoming general election.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has agreed to a deal for millions of life-saving vaccines to be produced in the UK if a future influenza pandemic is ever declared.

The UKHSA 10-year Science Strategy sets out how the UK Government will prepare and respond to future health security hazards and current threats to save lives. The new plan, Securing health and prosperity, examines how the UK can utilise its scientific capabilities – including genomics, data science, and diagnostics – to reduce harm, protect livelihoods and strengthen the overall capacity of health security.

The Health and Social Care Committee has published a new report on Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), calling for the Government and NHS England to address key concerns if an opportunity to deliver real change is to be achieved.

Amanda Pritchard has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of NHS England. Her appointment was approved by Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday (28 July 2021). She is the first woman to hold the role, which she will take up on 1 August 2021. As Chief Executive, she will be responsible for a budget of £130 billion [1]. Her appointment follows a competitive recruitment process by the Board of NHS England and NHS Improvement.