At Intelligent Health, we envision an NHS that thrives over the next decade—one that shifts its focus from treating illness to creating health. Our response to the government’s NHS 10-Year Health Plan consultation outlines a clear vision: a system where prevention is prioritised, communities are empowered, and physical activity becomes a cornerstone of health and wellbeing.
Our Vision for the NHS in 10 Years
We believe success lies in moving the NHS towards a proactive, community-based model of care. In this vision:
- People manage their health earlier and within their communities, reducing the reliance on reactive care.
- Health is shaped by an individual’s environment, where public health approaches consider the unique needs of places and people.
- Every child grows up happy, healthy, and equipped to lead an active, resilient life.
Why Physical Activity Matters
Physical inactivity is one of the greatest threats to our nation’s health, contributing to:
- 1 in 6 deaths in the UK.
- Increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and poor mental health.
- Annual costs of £7.4 billion to the economy.
Despite the evidence, sedentary lifestyles are increasingly prevalent across all age groups. Intelligent Health is calling for solutions that integrate physical activity into health and care pathways, shifting the focus towards prevention, community engagement, and collaboration.
Three Critical Shifts for Change
Our response focuses on three key shifts needed to create a sustainable, people-centred NHS:
1.From Hospital to Community
Moving care closer to home by empowering physical activity organisations, facilities, and community groups to play a central role in prevention and treatment. Programmes like Beat the Street have already shown what’s possible, engaging over 1.9 million people and lifting thousands out of inactivity—particularly in underserved communities.
2.From Analogue to Digital
Digital innovation must play a key role in supporting physical activity and health outcomes. Improved data standards and digital solutions can signpost individuals to local opportunities, encourage daily movement, and track long-term impacts.
3.From Sickness to Prevention
Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for preventing and managing long-term conditions, including:
- Mental health: Physical activity can be as effective as psychotherapy or medication in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Type 2 diabetes: Regular walking and light physical activity significantly improve glucose control and reduce associated risks.
- Cardiovascular disease: Even small amounts of daily movement can reduce mortality risk and prevent disease onset.
Proven Solutions That Work
- Beat the Street: A game-based intervention that connects people to their communities through walking, wheeling, and cycling. It has been proven to deliver long-term behaviour change, especially in areas with high health inequalities.
- Well Schools: Supporting children’s physical and mental wellbeing by embedding active lifestyles in school settings, ensuring children develop lifelong resilience.
- Social Prescribing: Connecting individuals to activities like walking groups and community gardening to improve mental health, physical wellbeing, and social connectedness. Read the latest NASP report on the impact of social prescribing on health service use and cost.
Investing in the Future
To achieve this vision, we must prioritise health creation at every level—supporting communities, schools, and primary care to embed physical activity into daily life. A thriving NHS depends on a healthier, more active population, and the solutions are already within reach.
At Intelligent Health, we are committed to working in partnership with organisations, policymakers, and communities to bring this vision to life.
Read our full response to the NHS 10-Year Health Plan [here]
