Earning trust: a foundation for health equity
A new report argues trust is the most valuable commodity in a health system. Earning trust: a foundation for health equity explores how leaders can create health systems which are more equitable, more trustworthy and better suited to serve the needs of under-represented groups. The report is part of A Million Conversations, an international initiative by Sanofi to rebuild under-represented groups’ trust in health systems. It addresses four main principles: understanding, inclusion, transparent communication and data generation.
Read the full report via the Race Equality Foundation website here.
Independent investigation of NHS performance
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has commissioned an independent investigation of the NHS. The investigation will have a particular focus on assessing patient access to healthcare, the quality of healthcare being provided and the overall performance of the health system. It will be led by Professor Ara Darzi, Baron Darzi of Denham, and report in September 2024.
Access the full terms of reference for the investigation via the GOV.UK website here.
UK Covid-19 Inquiry publishes first report
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry has published the first in a series of reports following the conclusion of its initial investigation. Each Inquiry investigation is organised into modules. Module 1 examines the the UK’s central structures and procedures for pandemic emergency preparedness, resilience and response. It includes the voices of the bereaved and specific analysis of systems in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the UK as a whole.
Read the full report via the COVID-19 Inquiry website here.
Research highlights current NHS challenges
Several recent reports have highlighted some of the challenges currently facing the NHS. A study conducted by the Policy Institute at King’s College London, King’s Business School and Ipsos found belief that the NHS will be there for people when they need it has fallen considerably over the last 16 years. A survey by PIF member the Patients Association revealed significant challenges in accessing care. Analysis by Nuffield Trust found waiting times for major surgery are lagging behind other high-income countries post-pandemic.
What makes the NHS App successful?
In this Digital Health blog, Mohammad Al Ubaydli from Patients Know Best explores what makes the NHS App successful and how it might continue to expand. Mohammad says very few governments can pull off a good "superapp", making the NHS App a rare example. He argues phones are set to become the most important healthcare tool and governments need to "master this tool to master their finances".
Read the full blog via the Digital Health website here.
Exploring the new government's policy on inequalities in healthy life expectancy
In this King's Fund blog, David Buck says arguably the biggest commitment in the new government’s health policy is the one to tackle health inequalities. He argues the plan to reduce inequalities in healthy life expectancy holds promise but lacks a clear timescale.
Read the full blog via The King's Fund website here.
Webinar: Building an integrated, rules-based pathway for Medtech
PIF members NICE and NHS England are hosting a webinar on proposals for a new MedTech pathway. The plans aim to establish a more integrated pathway for the appraisal, funding and commissioning of MedTech. This webinar is intended for individuals, communities, voluntary and community sector organisations, patient groups and charities. It takes place virtually on 29 July.
Find out more and register via Zoom here.
Event: Cancer Care Conference
Public Policy Projects is offering free spaces for the public sector at its upcoming Cancer Care Conference. This includes NHS organisations, local authorities, academics, researchers, not-for-profit, third-sector and charitable sectors. The conference will include five panels focusing on key aspects of cancer policy, highlighting examples of best practice and aiming to increase understanding of how to implement strategies to improve patient outcomes. It takes place in London on 3 October 2024.
Find more and register via the Public Policy Projects website here.