This briefing provides a summary of the findings and recommendations of the review into NHS productivity in mental health and community health services.

The review, led by Lord Carter of Coles, has 16 recommendations for national bodies as well as trusts and suggests £1bn in efficiency savings can be achieved by 2020/21. The recommendations are focused around clinical, non-clinical and workforce productivity.

In his forward to the report, Lord Carter makes clear that operational improvements must be made in staff, contract specifications, technology and delivery. He makes clear that community health services in particular can play a role in addressing a number of structural issues that have not been adequately dealt with in the NHS. These include delayed transfers of care, wound care, the development of community hospitals, lifetime healthcare costs, and integrated care.