The NHS Providers Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024, held at ACC Liverpool on 12-13 November, brought together over 800 senior NHS leaders, system partners and key stakeholders. With the theme of ‘Next Generation’, the event focused on fortifying the NHS to remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
A unified front for innovation and support
Representatives from all four NHS Commissioning Support Units (CSUs): South, Central and West (SCW), North of England Commissioning Support (NECS), Midlands and Lancashire (ML), and Arden & GEM collaborated to address the pressing challenges within workforce transformation, digital innovation and health inequalities. The CSUs showcased innovative solutions designed to enhance efficiency, optimise patient care and improve productivity across the NHS ecosystem.
Improving patient experience while waiting: safely validating and reducing waiting lists
Over 50 people attended the speaker slot session. The session explored person-centred approaches that providers could take to improve patients' experience while they waited for care. The speakers showcased strategies such as patient-led validation, technical validation through data-driven quality checks, and "waiting well" through targeted health coaching. These approaches were designed to optimise care pathways across primary, acute, community, and mental health services. They aimed to ensure patients were on the right treatment path and empowered them to manage their health, all while enhancing safety and outcomes.
The session was delivered by Sarah Warren and Dr Kathy Smith (NHS SCW) and David Welch (NECS).
Another 30 strategic leaders from across the provider landscape were also engaged through the CSU networking lounge.
Key discussions and learnings
Policy and culture
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pledged to end the NHS’s ‘command and control’ culture, emphasising a devolved approach that empowers local systems to innovate. His commitment to reducing central oversight and supporting system leaders with capital incentives highlighted a shift towards greater operational autonomy.
Leadership insights
Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, underscored the value of partnerships in driving community health outcomes and introduced new leadership frameworks to support Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). This focus on localised empowerment and leveraging data for quality improvement is integral to reshaping the NHS.
Advancing patient care
A standout session led by NHS SCW and NECS demonstrated how ‘Waiting Well’ initiatives are transforming patient experience. Through innovative validation processes, health coaching and enhanced data management, these programmes are safely reducing waiting lists while improving clinical outcomes and empowering patients to manage their own health.
Highlights of innovation
Digital solutions and AI
From AI-powered diagnostic tools to advanced patient flow management systems like OPTICA, technology's role in reshaping healthcare delivery was a recurring theme. AI solutions showcased during the event are streamlining processes, reducing administrative burdens and enabling more personalised care.
Workforce optimisation
The NHS Emeritus programme, a pilot initiative leveraging retired clinicians for outpatient recovery and teaching, exemplified innovative approaches to address workforce shortages. Flexible working models not only reduce elective backlogs but also enhance workforce morale.
Equity in healthcare
Sessions on health inequalities revealed strategic actions, such as the Children’s Hospital Alliance using predictive AI to identify underserved populations and the Equity Access Dashboard tracking disparities. These tools are vital for driving equitable healthcare outcomes.
Thank you to the delegates
The four CSUs extended heartfelt gratitude to all who visited their networking lounge and participated in discussions. These exchanges provided valuable insights into current challenges and the ways in which CSUs can tailor support to meet future needs.
Looking ahead
The conference was a powerful platform for collaboration, sparking new ideas to strengthen the NHS. Delegates left inspired by the shared vision of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, laying the groundwork for the next generation of healthcare.
For more information on CSUs, visit the NHS Providers Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 information hub
