Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey has welcomed the launch of a bold new 10-Year Health Plan by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to fix the NHS and deliver care that works for local people.”

At the heart of the plan is the creation of a Neighbourhood Health Service – a major shift that will see services like diagnostics, rehab, mental health support, nursing, and even dentistry delivered in new local centres, open evenings and weekends, and closer to people’s homes.

Over the past year, Darren has made improving NHS access one of his top priorities – meeting with GPs, pharmacists, dentists, and senior NHS leaders across the city to hear first-hand what needs to change. Just last week, he hosted a coffee morning with over 40 local residents to discuss people’s experiences of NHS care and what more is needed to improve it in Southampton.

Darren Paffey MP said:
“This is a new era for the NHS – moving from hospital-by-default to care that works around people’s lives, in their communities and on their doorsteps. I welcome this plan, and I’ll be working hard to make sure it delivers real change for Southampton.”

“I’ve spoken to residents, local NHS staff and senior health leaders across the city. Whether it’s GPs stretched thin, long waits for outpatient care, or difficulty getting a dentist – people in Southampton want better access, more joined-up care, and a system that works for the long term. That’s exactly what this plan promises to deliver.”

The 10-Year Plan includes a wide range of reforms and investment to build a modern, preventative and more local NHS:

• Neighbourhood Health Centres providing integrated care – from blood tests to physiotherapy – under one roof

• 4.2 million extra appointments already delivered, with waiting lists at their lowest in two years

• 1,900 more GPs recruited, with thousands more to be trained

• New digital tools like AI scribes and digital phone systems to free up clinicians’ time and improve access

• A shift to prevention-first care, including support for quitting smoking, weight management and mental health

• Dental reform so children and families can access care locally, and newly qualified dentists stay in the NHS

• Personalised care plans for those with complex needs and more support to stay healthy at home

By 2035, the majority of outpatient appointments will take place outside of hospitals – a shift that will help free up hospital resources for those who need them most, while improving convenience and outcomes for everyone else.

Darren added: “Our NHS has been let down for too long. This plan is a serious, ambitious step to fix it – and I’ll fight to make sure Southampton gets its fair share.”