Stevens asks new PM for ‘public infrastructure fund’ – Health Service Journal
Simon Stevens has called on the government to create a ”substantial NHS 70th Birthday Public Fund for Infrastructure”, ahead of is appearance at the Commons health committee this afternoon.

Transformation funds plugging hospital deficits, say MPs – Health Service Journal
There are “grave doubts” over attempts to integrate health and social care due to unprecedented financial pressures on the NHS, a group of MPs has concluded.

Is bigger better? Lessons for large scale general practice –  Nuffield Trust
This report shows that three quarters of English practices have now joined large-scale GP organisations, formed to help cope with rising pressure and policies demanding longer hours and new services. It finds these organisations can help to sustain general practice in the face of intense financial pressure and shortages of doctors and nurses. However, they have so far made limited progress in expanding into new services, and taking on a strategic role in redesigning care.

DH signed off £3bn in working capital loans last year – Health Service Journal
The Department of Health paid £3.1bn in working capital loans to trusts in 2015-16, HSJ analysis of official data shows.

Agenda for Change pay circular 2/2016 published – NHS Employers
We have published the Agenda for Change pay and conditions circular 2/2016 which informs employers of various changes to the NHS terms and conditions of service handbook.

Workforce gaps are result of reorganisations and “quick fixes,” Health Foundation says – BMJ
The NHS workforce in England has swung from boom to bust because of repeated reorganisations and a reliance on “quick fixes” to solve deep systemic problems, independent healthcare charity the Health Foundation has said. A study by the charity has concluded that “mismatches” between funding and staffing levels and top down system reforms have undermined any long term consistency in workforce planning. At the same time lower cost “quick fixes” have placed a “sticking plaster” on deep seated systemic difficulties, the study found. The Health Foundation has called for a more coherent, sustainable approach to tackling funding constraints and staff shortages.