How successful will the proposed NHS Assembly be in creating a long-term solution to the NHS crisis?
A paper discussed at a joint board meeting of NHS England and NHS Improvement has set out how a new forum will help co-design the proposed NHS 10-year plan.
The NHS Assembly, as it is titled provisionally, will also oversee the progress of the NHS five year forward view and ‘build on the recommendations of NHS England’s empowering people and communities task force’.
Members of the assembly will include national clinical, patient and staff organisations; the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; NHS arm’s-length bodies; and leaders from integrated care systems, sustainability and transformation partnerships, trusts, clinical commissioning groups and local authorities.
Prime Minister Theresa May has promised a long-term strategic plan for the NHS that many hope includes a sizeable increase in funding for the next 10 years. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has signalled his approval of such a move.
An announcement on the plan is likely to be scheduled to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the NHS on the 5 July. However, the NHS may have to wait until later in the year for all the details to be thrashed out.
Further information
NHS England: Progress report from the empowering people and communities taskforce
NHS Improvement: Board papers for 24 May 2018 board meeting
Wellards: Secretary of State Hunt reveals priorities for the upcoming 10-year plan