The Terrace Pavilion at the House of Commons hosted the impactful "Multidisciplinary and Multi-Professional Healthcare Forum," aimed at forging pathways for the future of the NHS. Themed "Shaping the Future of the NHS," the forum emphasised collaboration across various healthcare disciplines, highlighting a vision for a more integrated, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system. This aligns with key recommendations from the recent Darzi Report and the Prime Minister’s 10-year NHS plan. Chaired by Professor Mahendra Patel, the event brought together diverse healthcare professionals and influential voices to foster dialogue on vital reforms and strategic improvements for the NHS.
The forum opened with remarks from Professor Mahendra Patel, who highlighted the goals of enhancing multidisciplinary cooperation. Acknowledgments were made to Dr Bharat Shah, the event sponsor, for his and Sigma Pharmaceuticals' commitment to healthcare innovation. Host MP Matt Turmaine warmly welcomed attendees, underscored the urgency of implementing cohesive, cross-disciplinary solutions to address current healthcare challenges.
The first session was on ‘Professional Leadership in Healthcare’ moderated by Dr Jeanette Dickson, emphasising the critical role of leadership in fostering systemic improvements in healthcare. Sir Hugh Taylor introduced the session with insights into inclusive leadership models, a significant driver of high-impact outcomes. The session explored how inclusive and integrated leadership among professionals can bridge gaps across sectors and improve patient outcomes.
Esteemed panellists, including Paul Bennett of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, formerly of the Royal College of Nursing, provided thought-provoking contributions. They highlighted successful examples of cross-professional leadership, urging the NHS to widen the scope for interdisciplinary collaboration to meet complex healthcare needs.
The second session, chaired by Professor Ged Byrne, focused on “The Future of the NHS,” emphasising sustainable practices and the integration of care across sectors. Professor Kamran Abbasi from BMJ Publications introduced the session, highlighting the need for reforms that prioritise patient-centred, preventive care. Panellists, including Dr Chaand Nagpaul from BMJ and Sarah Tilsed of The Patients Association, discussed how to operationalize recommendations from recent reports, stressing the importance of integrating technology and building resilient healthcare teams for workforce well-being.
Session three, chaired by Professor Ian Young, centred on “Prioritising Inclusive and Effective Research,” underscoring the need for inclusive research within the UK’s healthcare landscape. Professor David Strain emphasised that such practices are vital for achieving equitable health outcomes across diverse communities.
Key speakers such as Dr Dawn Benson from the Clinical Human Factors Group and Professor Chris Butler of Oxford University, illustrated successful case studies in inclusive research and called for ongoing efforts to broaden participation in healthcare research. Their insights highlighted the role of patient engagement in research initiatives as a means of driving relevant and impactful outcomes.
The forum concluded with closing remarks by Professor Mahendra Patel and Professor Dame Donna Kinnair, who reiterated the need for continuous collaboration to drive the NHS forward. They encouraged attendees to maintain the momentum gained at the forum and to engage in future collaborative efforts that prioritise patient-centred and equitable healthcare. A networking session followed, offering participants an informal setting to discuss potential partnerships and exchange ideas.
* Photo courtesy: Raj Bakrania
