Blog | The King's Fund

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Rekindling hope in public services

Ahead of the publication of our report on the Wigan Deal, Chris Naylor explores how devolving power to frontline staff and service users can create the positive culture needed for improvement.

A two-way street: primary care networks and integrated care systems

As primary care networks and integrated care systems develop, Anna Charles considers how their relationship might evolve to strengthen the voice of primary and community care and join up local services.

Understanding urban health: Thinking large and small

Improving population health in towns and cities requires both an overarching city-wide strategy, as well as a granular understanding of the needs of local neighbourhoods, as Chris Naylor and Kieron Boyle explain.

Primary care networks and the NHS long-term plan: the new player on the pitch

Richard Murray considers the role primary care networks are meant to play in alleviating workforce pressures, linking general practice with integrated care systems and improving population health.

2019: handling the uncertainty

Richard Murray reflects on the opportunities and challenges that 2019 may bring, as well as the need for flexibility in the face of uncertainty.

Co-ordinating care for high-cost, high-need patients

Chris Ham considers the care models for patients with complex needs presented at the Commonwealth Fund International Symposium, and argues that clinical teams need time and resources to effectively co-ordinate the care they provide.

Round two for STP plans: a fresh start or a dangerous distraction?

A new round of planning for sustainability and transformation partnerships must allow for greater collaboration between key stakeholders to bring about real improvements in population health.

What should the NHS long-term plan say about STPs and ICSs?

Is the integration of health and social care moving too fast for the current legal framework? Chris Ham identifies five steps to support the continuing transformation by aligning regulation, policy and practice.

Developing governance to support integrated care: a bumpy ride?

One year on from the introduction of integrated care systems in England, we know that their success depends on local factors. Matthew Kershaw identifies three further key issues that offer wider learning on governance.

The puzzle of STPs in London

Why are London’s sustainability and transformation partnerships trailing behind those in other places? Chris Ham highlights some answers and recommendations in our new report.

Reviewing the Better Care Fund: time to be bold?

The upcoming review of the Better Care Fund needs to highlight opportunities for development to support the integration of the NHS and social care.

Harnessing the winds of change – early learning on integrated care systems

Local context is of the utmost importance in the development of integrated care systems, influencing the nature of collaborative working.

‘Moving at the speed of trust’ – the journey to integrated care systems

Creating an integrated care system is most definitely a journey and not an event, and they must evolve and be owned locally if they are to succeed, says Anna Charles.

The journey towards integrated care

Lillie Wenzel previews findings from our report on how integrated care systems are developing.

The NHS 10-year plan: transformation holds the key to sustainability

Chris Ham calls for the NHS 10-year plan to outline realistic ambitions to transform health and care over the next decade, focused on improving population health and a new deal with the public.

Learning by doing: integrating health and care in Scotland

Alex Baylis and Allison Trimble look at the role of chief officers in Scotland’s new integration authorities and challenge those working in integrated care in England to learn from the Scottish experience.

Non-executive directors and integrated care: time to think system

Richard Humphries considers how non-executive directors of NHS trusts can contribute to integrated care efforts.

What has the STP or ICS ever done for me?

Chris Ham reflects on the progress in ICSs and STPs so far and assesses what they have achieved.

Prime Minister’s promise of extra funding for the NHS raises questions about how much, when and how?

Following welcome news of a new funding settlement for the NHS, Chris Ham explores some of the remaining unanswered questions.

Housing: a home for STPs looking to influence the wider determinants of health

David Buck considers how sustainability and transformation partnerships can make more of the housing sector’s contribution to improving health.

Publications: Independent research and analysis on health and social care

Reports, long reads and articles.