In response to a party conference speech today by Steve Barclay, health and social care secretary, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"The health and social care secretary is right that outcomes are vital in everything that the NHS does. Health service leaders are committed to using the latest hi-tech equipment to improve results and patient safety.

"Any proposed changes to the NHS constitution should have improving inclusivity at the heart of what they do and be subject to wide conversations and consultation.

"An NHS fit for the future needs the right investment in capital and day-to-day running costs to boost productivity and improve the safety and experiences of patients and staff.

"Improving the health of the nation is vital too and should be a cross-government duty with every department understanding its part in the wider factors affecting people's health.

"Social care needs radical reform, sufficient funding and more support to ease pressure on stretched NHS services.

"And alongside the long-term workforce plan for the NHS, we need more investment in the wellbeing and working environments of NHS workers to help to keep and attract much-needed staff.

"It is concerning, though, that with consultants, junior doctors and radiographers all striking today the speech did not focus on a strategy to end these disruptive walkouts. We need all parties to get around the table as soon as possible."