James Biggin-Lamming

Excellent analysis of why the funding distribution model for general practice needs to change in order to address healthcare inequalities - and the challenges of doing so. Another opportunity for the government to demonstrate its appetite for substantive reform of the healthcare system

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Putting messages like this into the media is both tin-eared and unhelpful to the NHS cause. Rather than lining up to suggest the only way to reform the health service is to invest an unaffordable sum of money up front, think- tanks would do well to focus instead on ways in which existing funding could be spent to improve care and further long-standing strategic objectives. Articulating these practical ideas, in the context of constrained resources, is where we need their thinking - not in fanstasing about some alternative settlement.

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CQC Single Assessment Framework Review by Professor Sir Mike Richards is published today, alongside the final report by Dr Penny Dash. https://lnkd.in/erRzz_xs The Care Quality Commission’s board commissioned this review, which examines the CQC's transformation programme: organisational restructure, single assessment framework, new IT system. Sir Mike’s diagnosis is that the CQC needs a fundamental reset. Key findings 1. Transformation initiatives failed to deliver intended benefits: - CQC struggling to fulfill primary purpose - Fewer inspections, delayed reports - Providers concerned about process and quality 2. Negative staff impacts: - Demoralisation and high turnover - Loss of clinical leadership in inspections 3. Single assessment framework issues: - Too complex, ignores service differences - Confusing elements, delays in reporting 4. IT platform problems: - Adverse impact on staff and providers - Unresolved issues 5. Staffing and morale: - Low morale, insufficient staffing - Inadequate training for new staff 6. Partnership loss: - Providers report diminished collaboration with CQC 7. Limited data usage progress: - Modest improvements in data-informed assessments Key recommendations 1. Organisational reset: - Revert to previous structure - Reinstate sector-based teams led by Chief Inspectors 2. Modify assessment framework: - Retain some aspects, modify others - Suspend evidence categories and scoring system 3. Simplify IT platform 4. Improve data usage: - Incorporate existing datasets - Establish new data sharing agreements 5. Address staffing: - Review levels and pay scales - Fill shortages in key areas 6. Reprioritise inspections: - Focus on high-risk areas given current staffing 7. Rebuild provider partnerships: - Collaborate on assessment design - Consider reintroducing peer review Conclusion Comprehensive inspections and ratings are achievable with adequate staffing, training, and methodology. Urgent action is needed to restore the CQC's effectiveness in regulating health and social care services. The Homecare Association contributed to this review and is keen to ensure our system of regulation is fit for purpose. We want to see a clear plan and swift action to address the many problems created by CQC’s transformation programme. Our comment on the report by Dr Penny Dash is here: https://lnkd.in/eEQD7ihZ #CQC #regulation #Quality #outcomes

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A very helpful summary of where things stand on the CQC Single Assessment Framework. Good intentions, bad execution, compounded problems, limited input from the frontline. We’ve seen it all too many times before - but here’s hoping this report can soon turn from words to action. Our sector needs it.

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The IPA, AOP, BDA, and the NHS Confederation are urging Health Secretary Wes Streeting to secure sustainable investment in primary care to strengthen the NHS and improve patient care. Read more- https://lnkd.in/gqYA33f6 #primarycare #sustainableinvestment #WesStreeting #NHS

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The latest monthly NHS and social care briefing is published by MIAA & TIAN:   Key publications include-   ✅Institute for Government - Enabling integrated care systems to work better ✅NHS Providers - What is the current state of NHS finances? ✅NHS Confederation - Realising the potential of primary care provider collaboratives ✅HFMA - Bringing it all together: financial strategies that address health inequalities

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Interesting piece from the King’s Fund discussing health inequalities and the necessary actions the government should take in its forthcoming ten-year health plan. It highlights how factors like income, education, housing, and social inclusion are intricately connected to health outcomes. Unfortunately, health policy and reimbursement mechanisms often overlook these critical elements. The recent Darzi report emphasises the significance of prevention, but that prevention cannot occur in isolation. The social determinants of health are essential to consider in any effective health strategy. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d-VbM9P5

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The King's Fund report speaks to the need for change and the solutions required to help people access a dementia diagnoses and the value of integration of care and post diagnostic support. The learning is very much aligned with Here (Care Unbound Ltd) Brighton and Hove Memory Assessment Service. As an integrated clinical and support service, providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment as well as peri and post diagnostic support, helps us work in a holistic and highly personalised way, that supports both the person with dementia and their support network live well while also planning for the future. In a disease with no cure, improving diagnosis rates and the quality of life for the people we serve, should be our collective priority and ICS play a key role in transformation and require support to create system wide solutions. https://lnkd.in/eda9ZV4n

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NHS Trusts have made great progress setting strategic commitments for reducing health inequalities - but overcoming the significant barriers that prevent them from turning strategy into action remains a major challenge. To help address this @nhsproviders have reviewed 30 NHS trusts to reveal the key components of a succesful Trust strategy for tackling health inequalities, including: 👤Clear leadership ⚙️System integration ⚖️Measurable outcomes What key components have you identified? Read the full review: https://lnkd.in/eKfFAzcY

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https://lnkd.in/eCwxkBG5 Darzi report on the NHS is out. Amongst other things it recognises the need to value managers and build capacity and capability

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Competition vs Collaboration: Will an NHS League Table Drive Improvement? My latest blog with Bryan Jones @TheHealthFoundation looks at possible impacts of a league table approach to distinguish between best and worst performing NHS providers, and how policymakers can effectively support a collaborative environment and drive improvement. See: https://lnkd.in/ewmNpRXW

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Dr Emma Russell (Digit’s Data Observatory and Mid and Early Career Researcher Stream Co-Lead) has led a collaboration with the NHS for the past four years to develop research-led best practice for effective agile working. Together with NHS Employers, agiLab will be hosting a webinar on 11 July for NHS staff and associates: ‘Bridging the skills gap for an agile NHS workforce’. agiLab’s research highlights four guiding principles for successful agile working: 🚫 Remove arbitrary restrictions 💬 Consult your workers 💡 Try things out 🤝 Support managers

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A really interesting report by NHS Providers and well worth a read FORGOTTEN GENERATION: SHAPING BETTER SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE (published 15/07/24) Click the link below👇🏾for the full report  https://lnkd.in/eANPNdQ5 Findings include: Waits for a range of essential services including neurodevelopmental services (such as autism and ADHD) and paediatric surgery add to the stress and anxiety of patients, families, carers and NHS staff. Nearly all (97%) trusts responding said demand for CYP services has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic. 86% said waiting times for initial assessments had increased compared to pre-pandemic. 90% said that the health and wellbeing of children is not considered enough in national policy. 82% said they cannot meet current demand and 75% would be unable to meet anticipated demand in next 12-18 months. 86% were concerned about the impact on staff morale of challenges providing care. #paediatric #childrensservices #camhs #cyp #paediatricsurgery #youngpeople #paediatrician #doctor #nurse #nhs #nhstrust #nhsengland #healthcare #publicpolicy #healthpolicy #childhood #paediatricnurse #childhoodhealth #publichealth #populationhealth #mentalhealth #children #adhd #autism #neurodevelopment

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A #London research worker from Croydon Health Services NHS Trust believes clinical research practitioners are integral to achieving NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) mission to improve the health and wealth of the nation. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eFTS5_FC #WhyWeDoResearch

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This is a great piece of analysis to show the relative ROI of different types of preventative interventions, with opportunities to better evidence and target such activity. We need more reports like this. This does of course bring to mind the challenges involved in ensuring those returns could then be realised and redistributed in a way that enables a systemic shift in investment upstream. As the report concludes, there may be hope with a #mission-led approach; maybe it's time to dust off the learning from whole place community budgets?

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