I think the government will get many answers on this such as quicker access to diagnostic scans/x rays, get rid of middle managers, more local hospitals setting up, and so on. The reality is that it's just not that simple.
For example, the infrastructure for higher capacity to scan/ X ray isn't there. Aside from the lack of physical space, there's a shortage of radiologists nationally. It takes a minimum of 12 years to 'grow' a consultant, so increasing capacity in any specialty will take years. And how would we staff more local hospitals - you'd need at least 6 - 7 doctors just to offer a 24 hour service if minor injuries was Dr led.
So my first thought is:
Get workforce planning right across every staff group in the NHS. No government has ever bothered to do this, however much lobbying many of us have done. We've been told by successive governments its 'too hard'. We need to get the right numbers of the right sort of staff being trained to deliver an appropriate level of service. It's so basic, and it's outrageous that it's never been done. Some consultant vacancies never get filled because there aren't enough qualified people in that specialty. It's the same across the NHS - we need to train more physios, radiographers, ODPs, midwives, nurses etc, probably by reintroducing a bursary system. Yes it will cost, but the amount saved in agency staff, cancellations etc will offset some of that and most importantly of all, care will improve.
Second thought:
Health promotion. Obesity, smoking cessation, sexual health etc doesn't currently fall under the remit of the NHS, it's the responsibility of local authorities - most people probably dont realise this. A healthy population is the most important thing of all for the NHS, yet we're getting less healthy
We need to reintroduce and expand Sure Start. Healthy, happy successful children is fundamental to an effective healthcare system. Alongside that, fund health promotion properly and move it to a core NHS function (as it used to be). With the right funding, we can make a huge impact on the heath and wellbeing of the population, starting with the youngest children. Teach children what good heath is, how to cook properly, that there is exercise that they will enjoy (eg many teenage girls don't like traditional outdoor sport so teach them something different). Improving access to health promotion (eg health support for parents especially in areas of deprivation, obesity/smoking, drugs and alcohol cessation services and so on) is vital if we're ever going to have a healthier population. Focus heath promotion services in areas of deprivation to reduce health inequality.
Third thought:
Care for the elderly. The NHS will never function in anything like an efficient way until the care system improves. Maybe that will need people taking out insurance to cover future care needs? I haven't worked in the care sector so no ideas on detail, but it's a key factor in 'curing' the NHS.