Writing in a thought piece for NHS Voices, which is read by health and care leaders and key NHS stakeholders, Self-Care Forum President Dr Pete Smith warns that, despite strong public interest in self-care, the NHS risks losing this momentum unless it closes the gap between how patients and health professionals understand and support self-care.

He argues that people are already investing increasing amounts of time, effort, and money into living healthier lives, which should create ideal conditions for delivering the NHS 10 Year Health Plan. However, a recent study suggests that many health professionals still view this shift with suspicion.