Third phase of NHS response to COVID-19 (7 December 2021)

Summary

NHS England and Improvement set out the NHS's priorities for the remainder of 2020-21 in a “phase three letter” sent to local leaders. 

Content

Following discussion with patients’ groups, national clinical and stakeholder organisations, and feedback from seven regional ‘virtual’ frontline leadership meetings, NHS England and Improvement have set out NHS priorities for this third phase. Their shared focus is on:

• Accelerating the return to near-normal levels of non-Covid health services, making full use of the capacity available in the ‘window of opportunity’ between now and winter.
• Preparation for winter demand pressures, alongside continuing vigilance in the light of further probable Covid spikes locally and possibly nationally.
• Doing the above in a way that takes account of lessons learned during the first Covid peak; locks in beneficial changes; and explicitly tackles fundamental challenges including: support for our staff, and action on inequalities and prevention.

As part of this Phase Three work, and following engagement and discussion, NHS Engagement and Improvement have published a more detailed 2020/21 People Plan,