19 May 2016

HSJ interview with Simon Stevens

Stevens floats 'combined authorities' for the NHS
HSJ 19 May 2016 (Subscription required)
  • In an interview with HSJ Simon Stevens has indicated that groups of “combined authorities” bringing together multiple commissioners and providers could be formed from sustainability and transformation plan areas in coming months, as part of a “pooling of sovereignty” to implement STPs.
  • Mr Stevens also said national leaders would help overcome the “veto power” of individual organisations, which could otherwise stand in the way of changes proposed through STPs.
  • Mr Stevens said the most important task for STPs was to “explain… the changes in care pathways and the deployment of clinical teams and the way in which patients will use different parts of the health service”.
'Safe harbour' promise for NHS leaders planning controversial changes
HSJ 19 May 2016 (Subscription required)
  • Simon Stevens has indicated that NHS leaders planning to shake up local services through their sustainability and transformation plans will be given “safe harbour” by NHS England and NHS Improvement.