Pritchard said it was time ‘to re-imagine, to do things differently' and ‘be the generation who took the opportunities of the present to meet them head on, so that the generations that follow inherit an NHS they can be proud of'.

The chief executive outlined ‘three key tasks' the NHS workforce needed to grasp in order to capitalise on new opportunities.

Management and leadership

Firstly, Pritchard said leaders must be given ‘the tools they need to do their jobs well'. She announced a new, multi-disciplinary NHS Management and Leadership Framework that will bring together experience from inside and outside the organisation ‘to create a new Code of Practice for all managers and leaders, with clear standards and competencies, from entry level, to middle tier, to board, and a curriculum for the training and skills people will need'.

Improvement

Secondly, the chief executive said people must be given ‘the tools and information they need to improve'. She announced improvement collaboratives and networks would be set up to better share practical data and evidence-based techniques and give people the tools and information they need to improve.

Technology and innovation

The final task outlined by Pritchard was ‘making it easier than ever to innovate'. She said the NHS was ‘at a tipping point when it comes to tech', adding the workforce will be called upon to come to ‘test how connected systems, AI and automation cannot just improve care, but transform it'.

‘We have a unique opportunity to build on what we already have, and truly revolutionise our patient offer, giving the public greater control over their health than ever before, and making it as easy to access support as it is to order your weekly shop,' Pritchard said.