Ice Cream, Martinis and Rooftops… (stick with me on this one!!)
You’ve probably already read hundreds of AI infused notes from the main keynote speakers from hashtag
#nhsconfed2025, so I won’t rehash those, but instead share my usual alternate take from the last few days:
🍦 Ice cream – Easily one of the best giveaways over the two days (how has this not been mentioned more?!). And there was a genuine feeling of scoops of real achievement from the spending review. But let’s not forget the social determinants of health as any cone can crack without careful handling. It really is down to us to make sure we get the freezer working as efficiently as possible as we continuing serving our populations.
🍸 Martinis – the real spirit of the conference often comes from the candid and open conversations that occur beyond the panels and keynotes. To rebuild trust in our systems, we have to start trusting our people by sharing the truth, not glossing over things by adding a sugar rim or a paper umbrella. Now isn’t a time for watering things down, its the time to be open to embracing the challenge that is up ahead, even though it might be dry to swallow.
🏢 Rooftops – It felt like there was a real panoramic view of what lays ahead. The vision is starting to be shared but the climb to get there will be tough and exhausting. We have to keep moving forward even though the ladder feels a bit unsteady. But here’s the thing – whilst some of us will be gasping for breath on the climb, there are many out there that are committed to supporting those struggling with the tough climb. My plea – we can all win if we help one another. The forthcoming changes will impact us all in many different ways – let’s remain supportive, compassionate and continue to look out for each other in whichever way we can.
Thanks to all those who took the time out to share their thoughts and conversations with me over the last few days and sorry to those I missed!
Matea Deliu MD, PhD, MRCGP Ilse Bosch Daniel Snape Sean McLaughlin Dr Michael Odling-Smee Emma Raftery-Kenworthy Michelle Gomes Valentina Milanova Tara Donnelly Breid O’Brien Dag Larsson Tom Breeze Christopher Malone Dr Amina Siddiqui Ahmed ElGhamrawy, PhD Umar Naeem Ahmad Aref Esfahani Dr. Nausheen Hameed Dr Mayur Vibhuti Steve Brine Danielle Gavin Hatim Abdulhussein Pam Bhupal Dr Avi Mehra Harpreet P. Masood Ahmed Masood Nazir Asma Nafees Henry Hunt Hugh Lloyd-Jukes
Nilesh Sanganee Rishi Singh Bhogal Jamshaid Sheikh Hameed Richard Howells Carlie Bailey The Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP
