The mandate for change or the emperor's new clothing?

The contribution that allied health professionals (AHPs) make to the health and wellbeing of the nation should not be underestimated. A report undertaken on behalf of Public Health England (2015) provides clear examples of where there is evidence of AHP impact on public health, including the impact that paramedics make.

In England, the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) has been encouraging AHPs (individuals, teams, service users) to engage in sharing their views and having their say with regards to an emerging mandate for change. The role of the CAHPO is to take the lead in developing the contribution that the 12 AHPs make in further improving services provided by AHPs in order to achieve better outcomes for patients after an illness or injury.

Every year in accordance with section 13A(1) of the National Health Service Act 2006 (c.41), as amended by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c.7), the Secretary of State must publish a mandate ensuring that NHS England's objectives remain up to date. The Government's mandate to NHS England 2016–2017 (Department of Health (DH), 2016) is an ambitious mandate to ensure that NHS England sustains a comprehensive service, free at the point of use, which constantly improves patient care.