The NHS Confederation head has been calling for NHS public backing when it comes to long-term healthcare reform at today's annual conference.
Federation chief executive Mike Farrar has been making his comments at the Manchester event in a keynote speech.
He will also be publishing results of a survey of NHS leaders thoughts on the financial pressures on care quality.
Mr Farrar said ahead of today's conference: "It is clear that what the NHS desperately needs is public support for planned change to services.
"But politicians have consistently failed over many years at national and local level to put the long-term interests of their population's health above their short-term electoral interests.
"The NHS will get on and do its absolute upmost to make things work for patients. But we do not have the luxury of time if we are going to make the right changes to services. Health and social care leaders must come together now and speak about these issues with one loud, strong voice."
The NHS Confederation Annual Conference had 1400 Uk attendees. It has been the first notable national NHS get-together since the passing of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
Other speakers include health secretary Andrew Lansley, NHS chief executive David Nicholson and Health Select Committee chair Stephen Dorrell.
Survey results to follow.
