New health secretary sets out visions for faster NHS reform at NHS ConfedExpo 2026

The new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care spoke at the NHS ConfedExpo 2026 to reassure NHS leaders that the government’s priorities remain unchanged while signalling a stronger push for reform and modernisation

Speaking just four weeks after taking up the role, James Murray highlighted the progress made across the NHS over the past two years, including reductions in waiting lists, improvements in ambulance response times, better access to GP services and the delivery of millions of additional dental appointments.

He credited NHS and social care staff for achieving these results despite significant pressures, including industrial action, rising demand, seasonal health challenges and organisational restructuring.

At the NHS ConfedExpo 2026 the Health Secretary stressed that maintaining this would be crucial as the NHS continues its recovery and improvement journey.

Technology being used for transformation within the NHS

A main point of the speech was the role of technology, digitisation and artificial intelligence in shaping the future of healthcare.

Murray argued that digital tools can help public services become more efficient and responsive. He said the NHS must make full use of emerging technologies to improve patient experiences, reduce administrative burdens and free up staff to focus on the most complex cases.

He also suggested that organisations should be willing to embrace innovation while carefully managing risks, warning that failing to adopt new approaches could have long-term consequences for both patients and the health service.

Change and recovery

The Secretary rejected the idea that the NHS must choose between improving day-to-day performance and pursuing long-term reform. Instead, he argued that modernisation is essential if the health service is to meet rising demand and become financially sustainable.

He used an example from across the country where new approaches are already delivering results. These included community-based services reducing emergency hospital admissions, digital triage systems streamlining outpatient care and programmes designed to improve health outcomes while supporting people back into work.

According to Murray, these initiatives show that change can deliver benefits both now and in the years ahead.

The speech at the NHS ConfedExpo 2026 also highlighted plans to reduce bureaucracy and give NHS organisations greater flexibility to innovate. Recent changes, including reforms to Integrated Care Boards and the introduction of new organisational models, were presented as steps towards creating a more agile and responsive health service.

Murray praised local NHS organisations that have improved emergency care and reduced waiting times through innovative service redesign, calling for successful ideas to be shared more widely across the system.

Personal commitment to the NHS

The Health Secretary also reflected on his own experience as a patient, explaining how treatment for a serious neurological condition transformed his life. He said this personal connection strengthens his determination to support the NHS and work closely with healthcare leaders to deliver the government’s long-term plans.

His message to NHS leaders was to maintain progress, embrace innovation and accelerate reform to build a stronger, more sustainable health service for the future.