Nurturing the Capabilities to Aspire, Voice and Realise Aspirations: A Theoretical Analysis of the Transformative Potential of the National Health Service in England

This article contributes to understanding the transformative potential of institutions, such as the National Health Service in England (NHS), to engage those they serve, nurturing their aspirations and capabilities to support human flourishing. In pursuing a “fully engaged” scenario as described by Derek Wanless in Securing our Future Health (2002), an argument is made for nurturing the capabilities to aspire, voice and realise aspirations. The fully engaged scenario aspires towards higher levels of public engagement in relation to individual and community health and wellbeing; more efficient use of resources; overall improvements in health outcomes and a reduction in health inequalities. The discussion offers a critical evaluation of the recent emergence of a personalised care approach in the NHS in England, and specifically the role of Health and Wellbeing Coaches, in supporting this endeavour. Core capability and aspiration concepts are explicated to develop a conceptual framework to appraise the transformational potential of personalised care approaches in the NHS in England. The ensuing analysis is especially relevant as the recently elected Labour government prepares for a new ten-year plan for NHS reformation.