Urgent and Emergency Care Plan welcome but long term need for boldness and ambition

Responding to the urgent and emergency care (UEC) plan 2025/26 published by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, the chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles said:

“There is a lot to like about this plan.

“It’s helpful that we’re seeing it in early summer, with time to ensure meaningful measures are in place ahead of the added pressures of winter.

“It’s also good to see that so many parts of the system, including primary, community and mental health care, in addition to ambulance and hospital services, have been factored in.

“The extra capital investment for same day emergency care and mental health crisis assessment centres and ambulance services is particularly welcome, as is the emphasis on vaccination – and on this we’d urge NHS staff and the public to play their part by getting that protection.

“This plan should result in meaningful progress compared to last winter.

“As the plan acknowledges the public and our staff want to know the NHS can respond quickly, safely and effectively in an emergency.

"NHS Providers would like to work with NHSE and the government to develop long term UEC plans that are bold and ambitious.”