.webp)
The NHS is at a turning point. To meet the ambitions of the 10-Year Health Plan, three system-wide priorities must be addressed: provider autonomy, capital investment, and quality management. This month’s Clarity Digest brings together three briefings published in October by NHS Providers that offer a vision for a more resilient, productive and patient-centred health system by looking at these topics.
1. Rethinking Autonomy and Governance
Plans to modernise Foundation Trusts and introduce Integrated Health Organisations aim to devolve power and improve local accountability. However, proposals to remove statutory Councils of Governors and centralise oversight risk undermining trust and collaboration. Autonomy must be earned through leadership, not just metrics, and balanced with system-wide duties.
2. Investing in Infrastructure
The NHS faces a £37bn capital shortfall. Investment is essential to modernise facilities, enable digital transformation, and improve care. Infrastructure projects deliver high returns - up to 5x ROI - and support economic growth, staff retention, and community regeneration. A shift to 10% of DHSC’s budget for capital by 2035 could unlock £32bn in benefits.
3. Embedding Quality Management
Avoidable harm remains a challenge. A national Quality Management System (QMS) can drive proactive, organisation-wide improvement. Key enablers include strong leadership, clear governance, data-driven decision-making, and national support. Embedding quality into everyday practice improves outcomes, efficiency, and staff engagement.
Conclusion:
To build a resilient, equitable NHS, reform must be matched with investment and a commitment to quality. These three pathways offer a foundation for sustainable change.
Additional Resources
This issue also includes a curated selection of recent publications and podcasts exploring key themes in health and care - health inequalities to digital transformation to financial sustainability and risk. These resources offer timely insights to help sector leaders stay informed, inspired and equipped to drive meaningful change.
