Hopes were raised of a resolution to months of NHS strikes when the new Health Secretary vowed to “get around the table” with doctors.
Victoria Atkins described herself as “an optimist” during her first speech in a pre-recorded video shown at the NHS Providers annual conference in Liverpool on Wednesday.
Adopting what appeared to be a softer stance on negotiations than her predecessor Steve Barclay, she promised to “take the long-term decisions that will build a brighter future for our NHS”.
Ms Atkins added: “This is the approach I will take to industrial action.
“I’m acutely aware of how the strikes have disrupted patient care and I’m committed to getting around the table, because I want to see a fair and reasonable resolution.”
Addressing delegates, NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard revealed she had discussed strikes during a phone call with Ms Atkins.
Ms Pritchard said: “The first question she asked me was: ‘What can I do to help you?’
“We then had a very wide-ranging discussion, but it will be unsurprising to know that one of the first things we talked about was industrial action.
“We have consistently…talked about the impacts industrial action has had on patients, talked about the impact that it’s had on our own teams and colleagues, talked about the impact it’s had on finances, but also called on all sides to work together to find a resolution.”
Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, told the conference resolving the strikes was “absolutely critical”.
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She added: “We really need to see that industrial action behind us and I was very heartened to hear Victoria’s approach there in the film, which really focused on coming to the table and negotiating, having a conversation and listening.
“That feels so important and I think there’s even more reason for hope than there has been over the last few weeks where we know that talks have been underway.”
Ms Atkins also told delegates that her belief in the NHS and its founding principles was “one of the reasons I came into politics”.
She said: “Like families up and down the country, I owe our NHS a lot. It has cared for me and my family and bought my wonderful son into the world.
“I want to make sure that it’s here in fighting fit form for our children and our grandchildren, just as it’s been here for us.”
Ms Atkins acknowledged that the NHS faces a tough winter but outlined priorities including building capacity and resilience and delivering better care.
She added: “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get on with the job. Now’s the time to deliver for patients and deliver for our NHS.”
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