Summary
A recent King’s Fund report explores the content of the Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) for reform of health and care services in England. According to BBC News 28 of these 44 proposals involve closures or downgrading of hospital care in one form or another. Planned changes include the centralisation of certain services, such as A&E, trauma and stroke care. The planned advantages of these changes, and the main challenges in implementing STPs, are discussed.
Reference
Triggle, N. [and] Schraer, R. (2017). Hospital cuts planned in most of England. London: BBC Health News, February 21st 2017.
This relates to:
Reference
Ham, C. Alderwick, H. Dunn, P. [and] McKenna, H. (2017). Delivering sustainability and transformation plans: from ambitious proposals to credible plans. London: King’s Fund, February 21st 2017.
BBC News: Local Impacts
A quick finder for STP footprint impact assessments:
Reference
NHS Health Check: Which local services are under threat? London: BBC Health News, February 6th 2017.
A&E Department Closures?
The sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) programme could involve 23 million people being affected by cuts to A&E departments, the British Medical Association has warned:
Reference
Triggle, N. (2017). A&E cuts will hit 23m people, British Medical Association says. London: BBC Health News, June 28th 2017.
More on casualty ward closures overnight, and A&E downgrades:
Reference
Wainwright, D. (2017). NHS under pressure: What is happening to A&E services? London: BBC News / BBC Health News, July 4th 2017.
Abolishing the Purchaser/Provider Split?
Simon Stevens wants local health economies to operate as single entities with no purchaser/provider split.
Reference
Pym, H. (2017). Stand by for a quiet revolution in the NHS. London: BBC Health News, February 28th 2017.
Estimated Size and Impact of the Gap in Adult Social Care Funding in England
The Health Foundation estimates the gap in adult social care funding in England to be at least £2 billion for 2017/18. Knock-on inefficiencies in the NHS and various implications for STPs are considered.
Reference
Charlesworth, A. Firth, Z. [and] Fisher, R. [et al] (2017). The social care funding gap: implications for local health care reform. London: Health Foundation, March 2017.
