Health Policy

Integration Key to Reducing Long-Term Sickness Rates, Says NHS Report

The NHS Confederation report advocates for better integration and collaboration to address long-term sickness-related economic inactivity. It highlights that around 900,000 more people have become economically inactive since 2020, with 85% due to long-term sickness. Reintegrating half to three-quarters of these individuals could boost GDP by £109-177bn by 2029.

The report calls for a whole government approach, involving coordinated efforts across various departments and services. Key recommendations include:

• integrated employment and health support

• setting outcome targets

• improving employment conditions

• providing in-work grants.

Matthew Taylor, NHS Confederation's chief executive, stresses the need for additional NHS investment and a comprehensive health improvement strategy to prevent rising waiting lists and economic strain.

Healthcare Policy

Wes Streeting Announces Three Strategic Shifts for NHS Reform

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has outlined three strategic shifts for the NHS:

• moving care from hospitals to the community

• transitioning from analogue to digital

• focusing on prevention over treatment

Paul Corrigan, a former Blair-era adviser, has been appointed to assist with the 10-year reform plan.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) confirmed that the plan will be informed by a rapid investigation led by Professor Lord Ara Darzi, to be published on Thursday. GP leaders have warned about risks to continuity of care, insufficient funding, and rising workloads. Alan Milburn, another Blair-era figure, has also been brought back to support the reforms.

Healthcare

NHS Digital Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities for the New Government

The new government's manifesto promises NHS transformation but lacks specifics. Labour plans to use AI and remove barriers for new datacentres, aiming to improve diagnostics. The previous government allocated £4.2 billion, with £3.4 billion for NHS technology over three years. However, the path to effective change remains unclear due to outdated policies and the need for skilled personnel and robust infrastructure.

Digital transformation requires replacing legacy systems and partnering with credible tech suppliers. Successful projects like NHS Digital and NPIC show technology's potential in healthcare. For sustainable change, systemic improvements, clear objectives, and demonstrable benefits are essential. Newly elected policymakers must align their manifesto with budgetary constraints to achieve these goals.

Healthcare

NHS Scotland Welcomes Digital Inclusion Programme for Better Care Access

InnoScot Health has welcomed the Scottish Government's Digital Health and Care Strategy, emphasising the importance of the digital inclusion programme set for December. This initiative aims to enhance digital access, services, and skills, supporting NHS Scotland in offering improved care through better systems and infrastructure.

Key elements include the development of digital skills among the health workforce, the implementation of a single sign-on solution by March 2025, and an electronic prescribing system by December 2025.

The strategy also highlights the need for collaborative innovation to strengthen Scotland's digital health services, encouraging workforce participation in realising these goals.

Healthcare Technology

Tackling Interoperability in Health and Care: Challenges and Solutions

The HTN Now panel discussion addressed the critical issue of interoperability in health and care, featuring insights from Kate Warriner, Chris Johnson, and John Kosobucki.

Kate highlighted Alder Hey's digital maturity and the challenges of maintaining standards across multiple suppliers. Chris emphasised the complexity and technical challenges of interoperability projects, while John discussed the advantages and hurdles faced by newer tech companies like OX.DH.

Key challenges identified include:

• cross-boundary data sharing

• technical complexities

• the need for meticulous planning

Solutions proposed involve clear strategic vision, simplified standards, and leveraging existing technologies like Microsoft's Azure cloud. The panel stressed the importance of collaboration, data-driven change, and continuous progress measurement to achieve a fully interoperable healthcare environment.

Public Health

Government Collaboration Needed to Address UK Health and Economic Issues

Since 2020, economic inactivity in the UK has increased by 900,000, largely due to long-term sickness. Reintegrating half to three-quarters of these individuals could boost GDP by £109-177 billion and unlock £35-57 billion in fiscal revenue over five years. The NHS Confederation and BCG advocate for a whole-of-government approach to address these issues.

Matthew Taylor, CEO of the NHS Confederation, stresses the need for coordinated action across government departments and additional NHS investment. The report suggests that the Prime Minister's Mission Board for Health and a new Health Improvement Strategy are crucial for improving national health, reducing NHS demand, and enhancing economic productivity. Failure to act risks increasing waiting lists and diverting public funds from other investments.