To mark the first anniversary of the report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry, the Nuffield Trust took a first look at how hospitals have responded to the findings and recommendations contained in Robert Francis QC’s final report.

Nuffield Trust policy response that looks at options for development of the payment reform system in England. It recommends that any changes are targeted on where they are likely to have the greatest impact, and aligned with wider system changes. Finds that if the NHS is to improve the efficiency of the health system as a whole, it needs payment systems that cover the continuum of care and which create incentives for providing the ‘right care in the right setting’

This document sets out how Department of Health and NHS England will work together, setting out roles, responsibilities, governance and accountability arrangements.

Chris Ham reflects on the three key lessons fom a visit to Marks and Spencers that may be applicable to the NHS:

1. Central purchasing by experts in the area they are purchasing for means that negotiation is from a position of strength and innovation can be purchased on the basis of experience of client need.
2. Long term relationships with suppliers means a focus on mutual advantage where the focus is on working together to resolve areas of issues.
3. Contracts in M&S are short documents focused on key issues relevant to both parties and time on the ground with suppliers avoided disputes becoming routine. Relationship contracting is preferred over legalistic contracting.

Following publication of NHS England’s Planning Guidance in December, four CCG leaders have agreed to give their perspectives on the planning process in their local health economies:

Change is inevitable, and working within resources is now a reality, whatever the results of future general elections. An ageing population, rising expectations, changes in society itself and medical advances make that inevitable. From 2012 to 2032 the populations of 65 to 84 year olds and the over 85s are set to increase by 39 and 106 per cent respectively.

Report from the Nuffield Trust that reviews different approaches to payment for health services in the English NHS. It explores the evidence on whether recent payment initiatives have met their goals. Finds there is a lack of evidence that payment approaches can directly incentivise better integrated care and joint working.