The Health Foundation: Five principles for implementing the NHS Impact approach to improvement in England (21 April 2023)

Summary

The NHS is at a critical juncture in its 75-year history. With finances as tight as they have ever been, and a workforce stretched to breaking point due in part to spiralling demand from an older and sicker population and a shrinking labour pool, it is clear that things cannot carry on as they are. The time has come to think and act differently – at every level of the health and social care system – and to do so at pace.

This long read describes five guiding principles that should inform implementing the NHS Impact approach to improvement at provider, ICS and national level to maximise the chances of success in the current climate. We also present recommendations for provider organisation, system and national leaders on the steps needed to translate these principles into sustained improvements across ICSs.