HSJ Health Check: Weekly analysis of the biggest issues in health policy and leadership, from HSJ's expert journalists. The go to place for an independent, info...
This week we discuss why private providers are threatening to refuse to treat NHS patients, and why hospital bosses are equally vexed.We also cover how the outdated NHS IT estate has become a national security issue and what needs to be done to stop future data breaches and cyber attacks.
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28:24
The decline and fall of NHS England
Amanda Pritchard is stepping down as NHS England’s CEO at the end of next month, while Wes Streeting embarks on a massive reorganisation of the centre.This week we cover the reaction to this news, what’s lies in store for NHSE and who will be steering it through this significant change.Also - an update on some top appointments at the Care Quality Commission.
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39:22
The year of the pig
This week the HSJ team look at money and what is coming for what is expected to be toughest financial year for the NHS in a generation. HSJ editor Alastair McLellan talks about the “pig of a year” senior leaders have warned of. While finance reporter Henry Anderson takes us through what the mood music is on bringing back PFI, an expensive way of getting new capital into the system – but is it the only way?
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39:24
Tough talk on deficits
This week we take a closer look at Wes Streeting’s tough talk on NHS deficits – the health and social care secretary has told the NHS there can be no overspending without consequences.But what will this actually mean in practice, how has NHS England responded, and what will trusts have to cut to balance the books?Also this week, we discuss anHSJ story that revealed Ambulance services would still struggle to respond to a mass-casualty event like the Manchester Arena bombing despite recommendations made by a public inquiry.
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28:33
Unpacking the planning guidance
NHS England published the 2025-26 planning guidance last week, so we break down what it means for the service.
We discuss new targets, including a challenging elective care ambition, the high-profile commitments dropped, and news that trusts are to take on more responsibilities from ICBs next year.
A busy few days also saw the NHS’s mandate for 2025-26 from ministers published last week, so we also discuss Wes Streeting’s tough instructions to the NHS and his interview with HSJ.
Also, we cover news of further job cuts at NHS England and how its leadership of the service has been changing.
HSJ Health Check: Weekly analysis of the biggest issues in health policy and leadership, from HSJ's expert journalists. The go to place for an independent, informed and immediate take on health and care news.
UK