On the Ground at NHS ConfedExpo 2025: David’s Reflections

Our wonderful Social Prescribing Project Manager, David, travelled to Manchester for NHS ConfedExpo 2025. NHS ConfedExpo is the UK's leading health and care conference, dedicated to driving innovation and improving care for patients and the public.

Read about his experience, which was filled with learning, connection, and fresh ideas.

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Last week I was fortunate to attend the NHS ConfedExpo 2025 in Manchester. Travelling sustainably, via train, I was a little worried about the planned strikes. Luckily the journey was plain sailing, and I arrived in Manchester late afternoon in time to action some emails. I always find undertaking exercise during a work trip essential to keep the energy up. Tuesday evening I attended the gym finished off by a sauna session; this was not at the expense of 3SG. 

On day 1, I arrived bright and early, too early in fact as I wasn’t allowed in whilst the exhibitors finalised their stands. When entering Manchester Central conference centre it was quite overwhelming. However, I wondered round, and managed to find  ‘The role of the voluntary sector theatre’ where I bumped into Steve Spiers, along with some contacts Steve knew from Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP). It was interesting to hear some of the plans AWP have in the preventative space, and I look forward to following up on those connections. Steve was part of a panel at titled ‘The Nature Pill’ alongside Dr William Bird (GP & CEO Intelligent Health) and Dave Bell (Health & Environment Principal Officer). It was a fascinating discussion, and despite knowing the extensive benefits nature provides, it is always worth revisiting. 

Following this I attended, The Power of Wellbeing with Dr Radha Modgil, who spoke about her own challenges and the what ‘being well’ meant to her. She was also providing free copies of her new book ‘Know your Own Power’ which I gave to my friend navigating a difficult time. The first key note speech followed.

Unfortunately I hadn’t queued in time, so had to watch this from outside the auditorium (this proved difficult). One takeaway was the acknowledgement of the challenging times the NHS is facing, stating ‘ We need to be honest about our problems’. Transparency is a key value of mine, and I feel taking this approach will be key to moving forward in the right direction.

Due to some poor food and drink options inside the conference hall, and with some prior

research on Google, I went outside for lunch. This proved a great choice, one for the quality

of food on offer, and secondly I got to immerse myself in nature by sitting adjacent to this

water feature. It does frustrate me slightly when one of the key focuses on the conference is

in relation to prevention yet ultra processed food is served in abundance.

In the afternoon I managed to secure a seat in the auditorium where CEO, Matthew Taylor, of NHS Confederation delivered a keynote speech. He discussed the importance of becoming outcomes focused, the need for a collaborative approach and to be honest that we can’t transform the NHS on our own, it is everybody’s business. 

Following this I attended ‘ The benefits of empowering your workforce’. It was great to hear the panel being honest about some of the challenges NHS employees face and how the shift to a more caring model to staff will lead to better outcomes for patients. Dr Bogdan Chiva Giurca provided a great example of how patients outcomes can be negatively affected when the workforce is not motivated or energised. He was honest in the reactive approach he and colleagues had adopted for a patient that kept attending A&E week after week. It wasn’t until Bogdan sat down with the patient, and made a referral to the Social Prescribing Link worker that this patient stopped attending A&E. This had the added benefit of improving Bogdan’s wellbeing as he could see that his work was not merely covering the cracks. 

Day 2 started with the conference run club organised by Matthew Taylor. It was great to see Matthew leading from the front to get people moving, and I could tell from a brief discussion what running, particular park run, meant to him. 

Feeling refreshed and revitalised I was ready for the first talk of the day ‘Empowering Communities to stay well’. This was a great session where Robyn captivated the audience with her story. After an accident, Robyn was paralysed and would require 24/7 care. Originally procured through agencies, there was no continuity of care. It took years before Robyn became aware of Personal Health Budgets, which after some doubt Robyn proceeded with. Robyn felt in control of her care and could decide who came into her home. Robyn’s passion is horses, and to be able to decide carers who shared this passion was life changing. This demonstrates the importance of person centred care and the positive outcomes it produces. 

The keynote speaker was from the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Wes Streeting. There was an honesty about the challenges the NHS faces, describing the NHS as ‘fighting for its life’.  He also confirmed the publication of the NHS 10 year plan as being ‘weeks away’. The shifts outlined in this plan- from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention- will have “radical implications for services. Much of what is done in hospital today will be done on the high street, over the phone, or through the NHS app in a decade’s time” Streeting said. 

My one concern with the speech was the lack of acknowledgement of true prevention happening within our communities every day. I hope that the plan recognises the importance of activities that are helping to prevent ill health and promoting wellbeing such as that offered through Social Prescribing- Arts, culture & heritage, physical activity, Information & Advice and the Natural Environment. This concern was also reinforced by the cut in budget for The Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) from 25/26 to 28/29 by 1.2% in resource spending and 2.8% in capital expenditure.

It was a great couple of days,  and left me feeling optimistic for now. Let’s hope the 10 year plan allows for positive change at a local level, ensuring communities are at the heart of it.

Take a look at some of the fantastic moments captured by David at the ConfedExpo –

If you want to know more about the conference then you can visit their website here - https://www.nhsconfedexpo.org/