The Patients Association statement on the appointment of Yvette Cooper as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Published 21st July 2026

Commenting on the appointment of Yvette Cooper as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said:

"We congratulate Yvette Cooper on her appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. She takes on the role at a pivotal moment for patients and the health system: the NHS Modernisation Bill is at a decisive stage, and seven in ten patients tell us they are never asked what matters to them in their care.

"Our message to the new Secretary of State is simple: patients need more than a voice, they need change. That means genuine partnership in the Bill and in the delivery of the 10 Year Health Plan, designing care pathways with patients, not just consulting them, so people can navigate a system that too often leaves them uncertain. It means guaranteeing a truly independent patient voice in the Bill itself, to hold the Department to account. It means eradicating corridor care, so no one is left on a trolley when they are frightened and in pain and bringing forward the Casey Commission's timetable, so patients aren't left waiting for care that’s already overdue.

"We look forward to meeting Yvette Cooper at the earliest opportunity to discuss how an independent patient voice can support her in this role."