Brain Tumour Research, along with other charities in the health sector, participated in this year’s Health Charity Showcase at the Labour Party Conference.
The event was organised by Hanover Communications with the aim of shining a light on the role of charities in redefining health and social care over the next decade for the National Health Service (NHS) and patients.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, attended the crowded event. He said that the organisations present were important to him and to the new Labour Government. Moreover, that the Government wants to work with the sector to harness the vast amounts of energy, evidence, data and insight, to bring about meaningful change.
He declared: “To build a National Health Service fit for the future, we need you on our side. We need you on our team to do something that is an enormous challenge, but a challenge, if achieved, that will leave a real legacy for our country.”
The Secretary of State called for collaborative working and said that he valued the sector’s expertise: “We really value your role in advocacy and the contribution you can make in the discussion about public policy making. The days of trying to silence inconvenient truths are over.”
Also present at the event were members of the Health Team, including Minister for Secondary Care Karin Smyth and Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock. Additionally Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne, and Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Health and Patient Safety Baroness Merron were also present, along with various special advisors.
The Health Secretary ended by explaining the Government’s vision of mission-driven government. For it to be effective, it needs cross-government working, as well as charities, businesses and civil society.
Brain Tumour Research spoke with Mr Streeting about the need for more research into brain tumours, the gaps in the treatment pathway, and the importance of addressing the barriers to market access for the latest medicines. The Health Secretary said that he was committed to improving the situation for the brain tumour community.
Our Policy and Public Affairs Manager Thomas Brayford said: “By the Government working with us, and the wider brain tumour community, we can improve the lives of those affected by brain tumours, across the UK. Together we can help drive things forward, giving us the momentum we need.”
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Published Wednesday 25th September 2024.