Long-term conditions affect millions across the UK, yet the care people receive remains uneven (Future Health, 2023). Health outcomes continue to be shaped by housing, income, environment, identity, and access to services – factors that create stark inequalities in who receives timely, appropriate, and high quality care (GOV.UK, 2025). As the need for coordinated, evidencebased, person-centred approaches becomes increasingly urgent, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is launching a landmark event designed to accelerate progress: the RCN Long-Term Conditions Conference 2026, taking place on 17 June at Sheffield Hallam University.