• Matt Hancock today made his first speech as health and social care secretary.
• Mr Hancock announced £487m funding package to create "the most advanced health system in the world".
• He also vowed to drive cultural change within the NHS and social care sector

Responding to Matt Hancock’s first speech as secretary of state for health and social care, NHS Providers deputy chief executive, Saffron Cordery, said:

"It is encouraging that Matt Hancock has been so quick to recognise the urgency of some of the workforce challenges facing health and social care.

"NHS trust leaders tell us that concerns over staffing are their number one problem.

"Our workforce report showed that in the face of a relentless rise in demand NHS staff have too often found themselves overstretched, and placed under intolerable pressure without adequate support or reward.

We strongly endorse Mr Hancock’s commitment to tackle bullying and discrimination, and to promoting diversity at leadership level, and we look forward to contributing to the forthcoming consultation.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

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"That is demoralising for staff, bad for recruitment and retention, and impacts on the quality of patient care.

"We strongly endorse Mr Hancock’s commitment to tackle bullying and discrimination, and to promoting diversity at leadership level, and we look forward to contributing to the forthcoming consultation.

"We have taken some steps but recognise there is still much more to do.

"Our report with The King’s Fund this week highlighted the difficulties trusts face in recruiting and retaining senior leaders.  

We also welcome Mr Hancock’s focus on the opportunities presented by digital technology to support better care for patients, and to improve efficiency.

Saffron Cordery    Deputy Chief Executive

"We also welcome Mr Hancock’s focus on the opportunities presented by digital technology to support better care for patients, and to improve efficiency.

"It is vital in the coming months that he engages with frontline trusts to develop these priorities, to make sure they can be translated into action.”