Publications | The King's Fund

Approaches to better value: improving quality and cost

The NHS is increasingly focusing on how it can improve the value of its services, to deliver the highest quality health outcomes for patients at the lowest possible cost. This report shares learning and insight from three NHS hospital trusts that have developed organisation-wide strategies for value improvement.

A year of integrated care systems: reviewing the journey so far

Integrated care systems represent a fundamental and far-reaching change in how the NHS works across different services and with external partners. This report is based on interviews with eight of the ‘first wave’ ICSs to understand how they are developing and to identify lessons for local systems and national policy-makers.

The NHS 10-year plan: how should the extra funding be spent?

The government has announced increases in NHS funding and has asked the NHS to come up with a 10-year plan for how this funding will be used. After eight years of austerity, there is now an opportunity to tackle the issues that matter most to patients and communities and to improve health and care.

The public and the NHS: what's the deal?

In March 2018 The King’s Fund and Ipsos MORI carried out a series of discussion events with the public to explore people's views on the relationship between the public and the NHS. This report sets out the findings.

Health care funding models

How health care is funded

The way that health care is funded varies between different countries. Here we explain the main models used in their purest form, although most countries typically use a combination of these methods.

Inspiring leadership: Kate’s story

We talk to Kate Bones, whose experience of taking part in our Athena programme has left a lasting impression.

Smoker and non-smoker

Understanding NHS financial pressures: how are they affecting patient care?

Severe financial pressures on the NHS show no signs of easing, but how are they affecting patient care?

Spring budget: cash for social care and a green paper on future funding

The government has bought some time to find a sustainable solution for social care, say Chris Ham and Richard Humphries.

How is the NHS performing? March 2017: Quarterly Monitoring Report

More patients with complex conditions is the main reason for worsening performance in A&E departments, according to the 22nd quarterly monitoring report from The King's Fund.

Talking leadership: Sally Hulks on organisational development in the NHS

Sally Hulks discusses the importance of organisational development in fostering compassionate, collaborative leadership and developing cultures for high-quality care.

Delivering sustainability and transformation plans: from ambitious proposals to credible plans

STPs offer the best hope for the NHS and its partners to sustain services and transform the delivery of health and care, but how will STP footprints transform their plans into reality? Our report identifies the challenges that lie ahead.

Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) explained

STPs outline how health and care services will work in partnership across 44 areas of England. But what are STPs and what do they mean for the NHS?

Ministers, not NHS England, should decide on the affordability of cost-effective new treatments

The NHS can no longer afford to fund new treatments to the extent that it has done in the past. This potentially has big implications for patients, but the message is being delivered by un-elected NHS organisations when it should be ministers and the budget setters taking responsibility for this.

The NHS if

A collection of essays exploring hypothetical scenarios for the future of health and care.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing enables GPs, nurses and other primary care professionals to refer people to a range of local, non-clinical services. But does it work? And how does it fit in with wider health and care policy?

Talking leadership: Fiona Greenfield on developing compassionate leadership through mindfulness

Fiona Greenfield, an experienced nurse, reflects on the importance of leading compassionately.

Political crisis in the NHS

The government should heed the warning signs and embark on fundamental reform.

Theresa May's choice: give the NHS more money, or tell voters to expect worse care

Chris Ham reflects on Simon Stevens challenge to the government either to find more money for the NHS and social care, or be honest with the public about the consequences.

2017 is a make-or-break year for the Forward View

An epic struggle is occurring within the NHS to sustain current services and at the same time transform how care is delivered to better meet changing needs, says Chris Ham.

2017 priorities

Priorities for the NHS and social care in 2017

2017 promises to be another challenging year for the health and care system. We identify five priorities for the year ahead.

Demand and activity

How hospital activity in the NHS in England has changed over time

Why is the NHS struggling to maintain standards of care despite increased funding? Demand for services is rising.

The link between pensions and social care: Letter to the Editor

Letter from Kate Barker to the Editor of The Times regarding the link between pensions and social care.

Evidence and consultation

Evidence submission: Health Committee's inquiry into Brexit and health and social care

Our response focuses on the issues to which attention will need to be paid in the withdrawal negotiations in relation to health and social care and, where applicable, the outcomes that should be sought.

Talking Leadership: Matthew Rice on clinicians leading change

Matthew Rice discusses the pressures that clinical leaders are facing now, and what is needed to unlock their potential.

Blog: Comment and analysis on the key issues in health and social care

All blog posts from The King's Fund.

Health and care explained: How does the health and care system work? How is it changing?

This selection of content aims to make sense of the health and care system – including videos, articles, illustrated summaries and more.