01.04.16
NHS Improvement comes into force, but advised to preserve trust autonomy
NHS Improvement has launched today, replacing Monitor and multiple other bodies in overseeing NHS trusts.
NHS Improvement will bring together the work previously done by Monitor, the NHS Trust Development Authority, Patient Safety, the National Reporting and Learning System, the Advancing Change Team and the Intensive Support Teams.
It will oversee and support healthcare providers and hold them accountable where necessary.
In a blog post, Richard Murray, director of policy at the King’s Fund, said: “The current stresses in the NHS are clearly worst in the provider sector. To overcome this, NHS Improvement will need to provide an honest assessment of what NHS providers can realistically deliver and ensure that its voice is heard.
“This does not mean becoming the national representative of NHS providers, but it does mean ensuring national plans are built on a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the provider sector.”
He recommends that NHS Improvement develop a new model for preserving trusts’ autonomy from central government outside the foundation trust model and that balances good leadership with integrated care between organisations.
Jim Mackey, former CEO of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been appointed CEO of NHS Improvement and the body will be advised by panels of NHS trust chief executives and chairs.