The Darzi independent investigation of the NHS in England laid bare the scale of the challenge facing health services, these survey results reflect these challenges. The forthcoming 10-year health plan will be key to formulating a realistic roadmap to a sustainable NHS and the government has said this plan will be underlined by three big shifts: ‘hospital to community’; analogue to digital; and ‘sickness to prevention’. These survey results demonstrate the trust sector’s commitment to achieving these shifts with, for example, 98% of trust leaders in support of the ambition to shift care into the community and when asked about priorities for the 10 year plan they expressed strong support for moving towards preventative care. In addition, almost three quarters of trust leaders (71%) agreed or strongly agreed that their board has a strong focus on digital innovation. However, the results also raise concerns about the position we’re starting from and what might be needed to make this reality. Nearly three quarters of trust leaders (72%) were either worried or very worried about whether sufficient investment is being made in public health and prevention and despite the importance of social care, 82% of trust leaders said they were worried or very worried about sufficient investment being made in social care by local systems and their partners.
When asked how likely it is that the NHS can meet the constitutional standards within the next five years, a government manifesto pledge, only 14% of trust leaders said it was likely or very likely. 100% of acute specialist and 100% of ambulance trusts said it was unlikely or very unlikely. Trust leaders expressed a need for appropriate revenue and capital investment, alongside support to enhance community services, social care and preventative efforts as a way of making progress towards meeting this goal.
Overall, following what looks to be a challenging winter ahead the NHS is faced with a huge task in overcoming the underlying challenges as it seeks to deliver high quality care and remains responsive and effective for patients and communities.