Patients will soon be able to access charities and support services directly through the NHS app under a new scheme announced by Sir Keir Starmer (Labour). The Prime Minister said the system would offer "comfort and support" to people who had been newly diagnosed with medical conditions.
Speaking to charities and civil society leaders at the Science Museum, Sir Keir unveiled the diagnosis connect programme which he described as "life-changing". The new system will link newly diagnosed patients directly to expert charities through the NHS app.
Direct access to charity support
"This is a new programme linking newly diagnosed patients directly to expert charities," he said. "Helping them navigate which charities they can get to, which support they want, a different journey for each of them."
The Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the programme for vulnerable patients. "That's life-changing for people, looking for information and support often at a really difficult time," he added.
Expert help in your pocket
Addressing the charities present, Sir Keir explained how the system would work in practice. "And that's putting your expertise directly in people's pockets with the NHS app, so that's going to go on the NHS app… and then people will have it as their map to the support from the charities that they need when they've been diagnosed."
He described the potential impact on millions of patients. "What a comfort and security that will be for so many millions of people," the Prime Minister said.
Government launches civil society covenant
The announcement came as the Government launched its civil society covenant, designed to enhance relationships between Whitehall and other sectors including community groups, faith groups and charities. The covenant pledges to "respect the independence of civil society organisations" as well as "strengthen trust with open communication and sharing of data".
Ministers have already announced their intention to enhance the NHS app, hoping to give patients more control over their care with healthcare data collated into a single patient record. Speaking about the app earlier this month, Sir Keir said it would be "like having a doctor in your pocket".
Rebalancing power and responsibility
In his speech at the Science Museum, the Prime Minister said the system represents a fundamental shift in approach. He described it as being about "rebalancing power and responsibility" between different sectors of society.
The civil society covenant was officially launched on Thursday as part of the Government's broader strategy to strengthen partnerships with charitable and community organisations.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
