Threefold ICS variation in GP phone access revealed
Patients trying to reach their GP are almost three times as likely to fail to get through in the worst-performing integrated care systems than the best, according to analysis of new annual figures.
Exclusive: NHSE begins to claw back funding from ICSs to pay off historic debts
Three-quarters of integrated care systems face funding cuts of up to £20m as a result of NHS England’s insistence they start paying back overspends from previous years, HSJ analysis has discovered.
Following the Money: Bringing back capital punishment
HSJ’s expert briefing on NHS finances, savings and efforts to get back in the black. By finance correspondent Henry Anderson.
ICB chair resigns after refusing ‘to sign off another cut’
An integrated care board chair has resigned, saying she “did not feel able to sign off on a further cut”, and warning its budget plans required “unacceptable consequences”.
Rise in ICSs missing financial plans despite NHSE claim more would deliver
The number of health systems that failed to meet their main financial commitment increased substantially last year, despite NHS England’s chief finance officer previously saying many more areas would “definitely” deliver on their plans.
West Country Chronicle: How an ICB became the best place to work (again)
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, West Country Chronicle offers essential insight into NHS matters in the South West. Contact me in confidence here.
Former CEO to chair trust at centre of bullying allegations
A former trust and integrated care system chief executive has been appointed as the chair of a hospital provider grappling with high-profile bullying concerns.
West Country Chronicle: An ICB finds inspiration in Brazil
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, West Country Chronicle offers essential insight into NHS matters in the South West. Contact me in confidence here.
Revealed: The ICSs furthest behind on dental access
Several integrated care systems are struggling to deliver more than half the NHS dental appointments they had hoped for in 2023-24, and all areas are lagging, figures obtained by HSJ suggest.
West Country Chronicle: Where four out of five CEOs are new
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, West Country Chronicle offers essential insight into NHS matters in the South West. Contact me in confidence here.
North by North West: The threat of regime change
Essential insight into NHS matters in the North West of England. Contact me in confidence here.
NHSE ‘treads tightrope’ with new cash bailout for deficit ICSs
NHS England is set to give around £650m to some health systems to offset financial deficits and ease cash pressures, HSJ has learned.
Trust names first new chair in 10 years
An acute and community trust in one of the country’s most challenged systems has announced a replacement for its long-serving chair, who will leave the organisation in May.
West Country Chronicle: A £2.5m bureaucratic nightmare
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, West Country Chronicle offers essential insight into NHS matters in the South West. Contact me in confidence here.
NHSE acts as performance deteriorates in five systems
Five integrated care systems face escalations in central scrutiny and support following “deterioration” against key urgent and emergency care targets.
West Country Chronicle: New year, same story?
From Cornwall to the Cotswolds, West Country Chronicle offers essential insight into NHS matters in the South West. Contact me in confidence here.
HSJ’s 10 most-read integration stories of 2023
As 2023 turns into 2024, we look at the integration stories which climbed their way up the most-read list this year
Core bed numbers fall in seven systems, despite NHSE plan
The number of ‘core’ acute beds has fallen in seven health systems since the summer, according to official sitrep data.
Money ‘leaching’ from NHS due to patient choice policy, says ICS boss
The CEO of an integrated care system has said the choice agenda, in which the NHS pays for patients to be treated at a private provider, is costing his system £8m a year.
New CEO appointed at struggling ICB
One of England’s most challenged integrated care systems has appointed a new chief executive.