Publications | The King's Fund

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.

A funding boost for the NHS in England

Now the government must decide how to fund social care, says Chris Ham.

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 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.

Healthy populations: designing strategies to improve population health: Report of the WISH Healthy Populations Forum 2016

This report, for the World Innovation Summit for Health 2016, sets out a framework for developing new strategies to improve population health that join up healthcare systems with other services and sectors.

Debate in the House of Lords - Social care: Briefing

This debate provided an important opportunity to discuss the pressures facing social care following the Autumn Statement.

UK government’s Autumn Statement: no relief for NHS and social care in England: Staff have become shock absorbers in a system lacking resources to meet rising demands

If silence speaks volumes then this year's Autumn Statement sent a deafening message to the NHS and its partners in social care, says Chris Ham.

How is the NHS performing? November 2016: Quarterly Monitoring Report

The 21st quarterly monitoring report from The King's Fund provides an update on how the NHS is coping as it continues to grapple with productivity and reform challenges under continued financial pressure.

Debate in the House of Commons - Social care: Briefing

The King's Fund welcomed this debate which provided an important opportunity to discuss the pressures facing social care.

Watching Wallonia: or what STPs can learn about team working

A recently endangered trade deal between the EU and Canada offers some pertinent thoughts on balancing the interests of the new partnerships, writes Chris Ham.

Sustainability and transformation plans in the NHS: how are they being developed in practice?

Little is known about the process of developing sustainability and transformation plans. This report looks at how STPs have been developed in four parts of the country.

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.