External contributors – Page 17
-
Comment
The .001 per cent investment that can open the NHS's analytics goldmine
Andi Orlowski writes about the need for a resourced workforce plan to train and retain data analysts in the NHS, ensuring analytical capabilities align with NHS values and standards
-
Comment
District councils are the NHS’s natural health improvement partners
District councils play a crucial role in addressing health inequalities and the wider determinants of health within integrated care systems, emphasising the need for prevention and local partnerships, writes Ian Fytche
-
Comment
Stop debating whether ICSs are the answer - get on and make them work
As national advisers on the development of integrated care systems, Donna Hall and Sir David Pearson provide insight and support to emerging national guidance and policy, to local systems on different aspects of their journey towards integration and are involved in initiatives which build bridges between local government, social care ...
-
Comment
Year one of ICSs has been tough – here’s what they need in year two
The first year of integrated care systems has been fraught with challenges, many of which are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, writes Sir Julian Hartley. But, he argues, with the right support, these fledgling organisations have great potential.
-
Comment
The impact of junior doctor strikes on patient outcomes
A recent study on the impact of junior doctor strikes in the English NHS suggests that overall patient outcomes were not significantly worse, but certain patient groups, particularly black patients, experienced higher readmission rates. Careful consideration is needed in responding to future strikes to avoid potential inequalities in care quality
-
Comment
Family hopes are being dashed by post pandemic aftershocks
The latest data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has shown that more people than ever before having fertility treatment. HFEA Chair, Julia Chain, explains that despite patient numbers reaching pre-pandemic levels, aftershocks from covid-19 are standing in the way of some patients trying to have a baby
-
Comment
The case for embedding welfare rights advisers throughout the NHS
Dr Sarah Beardon argues ICSs need to think more strategically about developing health justice partnerships, which should to be implemented at scale for the benefit of communities nationwide
-
Comment
Social investment funding: a lifeline for the NHS
The potential for social investment has been demonstrated on an individual service level and now is the time for it to fuel ICS-wide innovation funding to support transformation and improve patient care, writes Katy Nex
-
Comment
The lessons learned by health secretaries in the NHS's first 75 years
On the occasion of NHS’s 75th anniversary, Jennifer Dixon writes about former health ministers recognising NHS’s enduring popularity, chronic underinvestment, and political challenges as they emphasised public support, fairness, and the inefficiency of alternative models
-
Comment
Enshrining visiting rights in law
Julia Jones highlights the proposed bill granting patients the right to a care supporter, emphasising patient choice while elaborating on the cross-party support and endorsements from various organisations
-
Comment
Government’s reluctance to invest in the NHS workforce is a false economy
Nick Moberly on the need for a stronger neurology workforce to tackle delays and reduce emergency admissions.
-
Comment
Good managers: the workforce the NHS most desperately needs
A shortage of managers in the NHS hampers system working and burdens clinical staff, argues Chris Thomas.
-
Comment
Elective waiting list breaks new record
Of 7.4 million waiting, 6.3 million do not have a diagnosis and decision, and 26,800 of those may turn out to have cancer
-
Comment
Why the next waiting time targets will be much harder to meet
The NHS’s favourite way of delivering waiting time targets is faltering
-
Comment
Professional regulation needs both flexibility and accountability
The government’s recently proposed reforms will shape the future of healthcare professional regulation, so it’s imperative to ensure the changes work not just for the regulators and professionals but also for patients, explains Professional Standards Authority chief Alan Clamp
-
Comment
Inadequate infrastructure is harming general practice
The UK’s general practice faces infrastructure challenges, including lack of space, outdated IT systems, and funding shortages, hindering care provision and workforce expansion. Urgent investment and plans are needed to address these issues and ensure high-quality care, writes Professor Kamila Hawthorne
-
Comment
NHS policy on bullying and discrimination is an evidence-free zone
The existing HR strategies in the NHS lack evidence-based approaches, which hinders their effectiveness in tackling discrimination and bullying. To establish a safer and more equitable workplace, proactive measures, accountability, and debiasing processes are crucial, explains Roger Kline
-
Comment
How to enable success with place-based partnerships
Joshua Edwards elaborates on the barriers as well as enablers that will help understand trust leaders’ initial experiences of working with others at place to set ambitions and deliver better outcomes
-
Comment
Labour’s pledge to restore 18-week waits in five years IS feasible
The biggest task will be keeping up with demand. Beyond that, restoring 18 weeks in one term looks feasible.
-
Comment
Crisis deepens as government fails to restore rehab space
Urgent action is needed as the government’s failure to restore rehab space is leading to dire consequences for patients, staff, and the healthcare system, exacerbating waiting lists and compromising patient care