Purpose Lab Health: Understanding the Future NHS Patient
The NHS is constantly evolving. New technologies, changing demographics and increasing demand continue to shape how healthcare is delivered across the UK. Yet one question is often overlooked: what does the next generation of NHS patients expect from the health service?
That question sits at the heart of our latest report, Purpose Lab Health: Understanding your Future NHS Patient.
Through Purpose Lab Health, The Purpose Coalition has brought together students from universities and colleges across England to explore how young adults experience healthcare today, what influences their decisions, and how those experiences will shape the NHS of tomorrow. Rather than consulting on individual policies, the programme sought to understand the wider behaviours, expectations and challenges that define the patient journey for a new generation.
The findings reveal a generation that is engaged, informed and proactive about its health. Young adults are increasingly using digital tools, including artificial intelligence, alongside trusted NHS information to understand symptoms before seeking formal healthcare. They value innovation, but remain clear that technology should complement—not replace—the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals.
The report also highlights the importance of prevention that reflects the realities of everyday life. Students consistently recognised the value of healthy lifestyles but spoke openly about the pressures of balancing education, employment, finances and wellbeing. The challenge is not simply encouraging healthier choices, but creating the conditions that make those choices realistic and sustainable.
Alongside this, participants demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of health inequalities. They argued that improving health outcomes requires collaboration between healthcare providers, universities, employers, local authorities and communities, recognising that health is shaped by far more than clinical services alone.
As Paula Sherriff, Engagement Director at The Purpose Coalition and Former Shadow Health Minister, writes in the report's foreword:
"There is a simple principle that has shaped much of my work in health throughout my career: if we want to build better healthcare, we must start by listening."
Purpose Lab Health demonstrates exactly why that principle matters. By giving young adults a genuine voice in discussions about healthcare, the programme provides valuable insight into the expectations, behaviours and experiences that will shape future demand on the NHS for decades to come.
At The Purpose Coalition, we believe meaningful policy begins with meaningful engagement. We hope this report contributes to the national conversation about prevention, digital innovation and health inequalities, while helping policymakers, NHS leaders and partners better understand the needs of tomorrow's patients.
Read the full report here: https://www.purpose-coalition.org/impact-reports/purpose-lab-health
