Show Notes
HSJ Health Check discusses the latest squeeze on GP resources, and controversy over reform of referral processes. Analysis of new figures show the share of NHS spend going to general practice fell to its lowest point in 2024-25 - a decade on from NHS England vowing to shift the balance the other way. The share of doctors in the English NHS who are GPs also fell. Meanwhile, GP groups are among those crying foul over the latest "advice and guidance" reforms. NHS England is asking systems to introduce universal A&G for 10 "high volume specialties" chosen locally, for which it has set an ambition of a "diversion rate of at least 25 per cent by March 2027". With HSJ deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief James Illman and correspondent Caitlin Tilley.
More from HSJ Health Check
On this episode we discuss an HSJ investigation that revealed an increasing number of trusts are facing cash shortages that are bubbling over into late payments to suppliers. We discuss why this is a symptom of a problem and what it says about the financial pressures providers are under this year.
This week we discuss the final report of a major government review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism, including its criticism of the quality and cost of assessments done by independent providers.
This week we bring you the health highlights from the Labour Party Conference, including an ex-minister who said he would sack half of the NHS managers he has met “in a heartbeat” for not being good enough. We also discuss a worrying story about a trust at the heart of a major maternity inquiry, after a review found multiple recent stillbirths may have been avoided with better care. And on the theme of public inquiries, we cover some interesting comments made by Tom Kark KC, when speaking at HSJ’s Patient Safety Congress, who admitted they are often hugely expensive and time-consuming.
This week we talk about why an integrated care board in the north west is risking the wrath of GPs after consolidating its digital offering, in a move that has also raised concerns about its procurement practices. Also on this episode, the NHS has more than £1.6bn earmarked to get more out of digital systems - but trusts say the programme isn’t delivering. With just a week to hit some significant deadlines, we discuss why the Frontline Productivity Programme is being described by tech leaders as a “shambles”, with the centre being blamed, and what its future could look like.
This week we discuss the final outcome of the Thirlwall Inquiry, which examined the failings surrounding the murder and attempted murder of babies by Lucy Letby.