The NHS in England continues to evolve in response to growing demand, changing population needs, and new opportunities in technology and integrated care. Understanding the national direction helps explain the approach we’re taking locally at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH).
This page provides a summary of the key national plans, strategies and reforms currently guiding NHS organisations – including the 10-Year Health Plan for England, the NHS Long Term Plan, and other important publications and policy shifts.
The 10-Year Health Plan for England (2025–2035): Fit for the Future
Published in July 2025, Fit for the Future is the national 10-Year Health Plan for England. It sets out the long-term vision for the NHS and the wider health and care system, aiming to improve access, outcomes and sustainability.
Key priorities include:
- Improving access to care and reducing waiting times
- Shifting more services into community and primary care settings
- Expanding prevention efforts and tackling health inequalities
- Making greater use of digital tools and personalised care
- Supporting a sustainable, well-supported NHS workforce
- Modernising NHS infrastructure and reducing the environmental impact of services
These national goals are designed to guide service transformation across Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), local providers and NHS partners.
You can read the Executive Summary here.
Other key strategic documents shaping the NHS
NHS Long Term Plan (2019–2029)
Whilst superceded by the above, this document is still highly relevant, this plan focuses on early diagnosis, long-term condition management, mental health, and digital services. It introduced major reforms around integrated care, personalised support, and shifting the focus from treatment to prevention.
Darzi Review (2024)
An independent review of the NHS, the Darzi Review highlighted challenges in access, workforce, and infrastructure. It recommended a renewed long-term approach, major capital investment, and more focus on prevention and integration. Many of its recommendations are reflected in Fit for the Future.
NHS Planning Guidance (2025/26)
Published annually by NHS England, this guidance outlines system-wide priorities for the current year, including:
- Reducing elective and urgent care backlogs
- Improving access to dentistry, general practice and mental health services
- Rolling out digital tools such as electronic patient records and the NHS App
- Restoring financial sustainability and reducing reliance on agency staffing
- Supporting greener NHS initiatives and net-zero goals
Each NHS organisation, including DBTH, aligns its planning and delivery approach with this national guidance.
Reform and accountability
Alongside strategic plans, several national policy proposals introduced in late 2024 and early 2025 are aimed at improving consistency and accountability across the NHS. These include:
- National league tables and performance ratings for NHS trusts
- Stronger oversight of leadership, finances and service quality
- A revised framework for pay and performance
- Measures to improve transparency and public reporting
These proposals aim to deliver improved outcomes, greater value for money, and a more consistent experience for patients.
How this informs our local approach
At DBTH, our organisational strategy – Healthier Together – aligns with these national priorities and ambitions. We are focused on delivering safe, high-quality care, improving health outcomes, supporting our workforce, and contributing to a more integrated and sustainable health system.
You can read more about our strategy and enabling plans here.
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