The must-read stories and debate in health policy and leadership.

The size of the new diagnostic imaging networks has become clearer following NHS England’s guidance that says they will be significant businesses in their own right.

Trusts have been given until 2023 to set up the networks, which will be at arm’s length from the trusts and have their own leadership and governance arrangements.

The guidance, published yesterday, added that the networks will be responsible for asset management, financing, quality, staffing and location of all elective and non-elective imaging across England.

NHS England has outlined seven models the networks can take, which include “outsourcing the service in its entirety, including ownership of the capital assets required for delivery of the service, to a commercial partner”.

The other options are: collaboration or alliance contracting, both of which offer “poor autonomy” as decisions must be approved by all trusts; a “host trust” using delegated authority from other network members to make decisions; two joint venture models or a community interest company. All three would need HMRC approval for VAT exemption and are suitable for foundation trusts.

Climate change (of job)

A senior civil servant responsible for NHS workforce planning, the new NHS bill and other key areas of healthcare policy is moving to a climate change role within government.

Lee McDonough is joining the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, where she will take up the role of director general, net zero strategy and international.

She was appointed director general for the NHS Policy and Performance group in November 2016, a role which was previously director general for acute care and workforce.

The DHSC said she will lead the drive to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

In 2018, Ms McDonough appeared in the HSJ100 — HSJ’s list of the most influential people in health — at number 47.