Planning framework lays bare ‘juggling act’ trust leaders face

“This guidance lays bare the juggling act trust leaders face as they try to deliver more high-quality care day-to-day alongside the transformation the health service urgently needs. 
 
“The longer-term focus of this guidance and the pivotal role of trust leaders in designing and driving transformation in their local communities is much needed and long overdue. Letting local leaders lead, particularly when it comes to shifting care closer to home, is the right thing to do.  
 
“The focus on reducing waiting times, tackling pressures in urgent and emergency care, and shifting more care into the community will come as no surprise.
 
“But this focus must not come at the expense of other core services, like mental health or primary care, which also matter to patients. 
 
“The lack of confirmation on whether the Mental Health Investment Standard will be in place for next year and beyond will be a significant concern for mental health trusts as they continue to grapple with soaring demand for their services.
 
“And we must not be under any illusion about the scale of the challenge facing the NHS and the impact another year of stringent efficiency and productivity demands will have on a health and care system already under strain. 
 
“While changes to the NHS’ financial mechanisms is welcome and long overdue, the detail on how these will be implemented will be critical to their success. Similarly, much more information is needed to deliver key initiatives like neighbourhood health services.
 
“We also need to see trusts’ actual financial allocations and the changes to the tariff structures to know whether the money available matches the ambition. 
 
“This is crucial to ensure they can bring the 10-year health plan to life and to rebuild public and patient confidence in the health service.”