Welcome to the third report in our Provider voices series in which we present the perspectives of NHS trust leaders, and leaders from the wider NHS, on some of the key issues facing the health service today.
Creating a truly integrated health and care system is a key strategic objective for the NHS. Our latest report is therefore devoted to exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by local sustainability and transformation partnerships and integrated care systems. We hope this will make a valuable contribution to discussions on what is working at a local level and where the challenges of integration lie.
As the report shows, the focus on collaborative working raises important questions for providers and the wider health and care sector on how to effectively build relationships and work together at a local level to deliver joined up, higher quality care for local communities.
From navigating the purchaser provider split in the context of system working, to working with multiple organisations across their footprint to develop a common vision for a shared population, the challenges and opportunities of cross-system working are significant. 11 leaders from across the sector describe what is working, what lessons they have learnt and how their local sustainability and transformation partnerships and integrated care systems have evolved. It makes for interesting and timely reading.
I hope you find it useful.
As ever, we are grateful to all who took the time to contribute to the report and to Andy Cowper for carrying out the interviews.
Chris Hopson
Chief Executive, NHS Providers