HSJ Health Check

NHS is slipping down the government’s list of priorities.
We cover the questions that ministers cannot avoid – such as how to tackle funding social care and how far to push the NHS on devolution – as well as the things they should really be decisive about… but probably won’t.

In a significant intervention this week the national safety watchdog has effectively called for a pause in the rollout of NHS England’s “advice and guidance” policy after linking it to two patient deaths.
 
On this episode we cover what prompted this review, why NHS England has been pushing the use of A&G for the last few years and what it’s future could look like.

On this episode we cover two interesting tech stories. Firstly, new estimates have suggested the federated data platform could have a benefit value of £1.7bn less than a figure given by NHS England a year ago.

We talk more about this latest FDP story and what it could mean for the extension of the controversial Palantir contract next year.

Also, the national safety watchdog announced last week it has launched in investigation into AI use within the NHS. We ask what prompted this and what it will explore.

We also talk more about the news a North Devon maternity unit is closing due to a lack of doctors, and how trusts and the government are approaching this national problem.

“I had no idea this happened. Were we informed? I am very concerned about duty of candour here… Why weren’t the victims informed immediately?”
This was NHS England’s response after learning of the records breach at University Hospitals of Liverpool Foundation Trust, revealed in emails obtained by HSJ this week.
On this episode we talk more about what happened next, including the independent investigation ordered and Sir Jim Mackey’s warning to trusts. 
Also this week we discuss a story that speaks to the ongoing concerns about culture within ambulances trusts.

This week we’re talking about the latest on neighbourhood health, and what Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s push for social care reform means for the NHS. 
As ministers launch a major review of adult social care, we ask whether the shift could boost the neighbourhood health agenda, or set it back. Will it reshape NHS and council funding, and could it deliver the NHS savings Mr Burnham says must be considered before any tax rises?
We also talk more about neighbourhood health contracts and their slow progress since they were announced in last year’s 10 year plan for health, and why some in primary care are calling for an even longer pause.