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If you could have one minute with NHS decision makers, what would you say?

NHS Kent and Medway wants to hear from residents as it shapes it five-year strategy. Join the conversation and help shape how the plan can be turned into real change. Complete the survey before Monday, 1 June.

 www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5yearstrategy/?mc_cid=bb03f0acab&mc_eid=1fd7c5ce09

 Why do we need a five-year strategy?

Health and care in Kent and Medway are at a turning point. People are living longer, but many are spending more of those years in poor health.

Where you live still has a huge impact on how healthy you are; life expectancy can differ by more than 10 years between neighbourhoods. More people are living with long‑term conditions, mental health needs are rising, and hospitals are under constant pressure. At the same time, the NHS is facing serious financial challenges.

If we continue to do things the same way, these problems will grow. Waiting times will stay too long, inequalities will widen, and services will struggle to keep up.  

That's why NHS Kent and Medway is developing a new Five-Year Strategy for all NHS organisations in Kent and Medway (2026-2031).

It sets out how the NHS needs to change so health and care services are fit for the future: Fairer, more sustainable, and focused on what matters most to people. 

At its heart, this plan is about a major shift:  

• from reacting to illness to preventing it
• from hospital‑first care to more care in neighbourhoods and at home  
• from fragmented services to joined‑up support around people's lives.  

Your voice and experiences of healthcare are essential to the five year strategy.

Find out more about the strategy