Last month brought the publication of the NHS Long Term Plan Implementation Framework which kick starts the process of “strategic system planning”.
But what does this mean? Simply put: it sets out the approach Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships and Integrated Care Systems are asked to take to create their five-year strategic plans based on “realistic workforce assumptions” and deliver all the commitments within the Long Term Plan.
The expectation is that these plans cover off issues, such as what service changes will be taken forward and how local systems will be developed paying attention to workforce, digital and estates, and how financial balance will be delivered. But the framework does allow local systems the freedom to respond to local needs and priorities. The framework articulates 10 principles that systems plans must cover – this is set out in chapter one.
So what about delivering the new service models fit for the 21st century? The service changes outlined in chapter two are described as “foundational commitments” within the Long Term Plan and must feature in the system plans. We now have 1259 Primary Care Networks covering all patients in England as from 1 July – described as the most significant reform to general practice.
Going forward system plans will be grouped into a national implementation programme for the Long Term Plan in December 2019, taking account of the Spending Review in the autumn with final plans due in November 2019 covering the period 2019/20 to 2023/24.
Where next ?
This table from the framework sets out the timescales in tabular form:
The framework includes resources to help with formulating the system plans – in addition, over the summer, there will be a programme of national and regional opportunities for systems to understand the support and resources that will be available to them over the planning period, and over the next five years.
The framework provides that local systems should work with their regional teams to work out what extra support they need to develop their local plans and plans should be developed in house. Additional support will be provided from national teams and commissioning support units.
For further details on the framework, the Healthcare Financial Management Association have produced a helpful summary paper which you can read here.
ICS autumn seminars
We are running a series of free ICS seminars across our national offices in the autumn:
- 22 October Birmingham
- 12 September Cambridge
- 24 September Manchester
If you would like to receive an invitation or register your interest, please email [email protected]
Charlotte Lewis, Senior Associate and Rhian Vandrill, Partner
Our content explained
Every piece of content we create is correct on the date it’s published but please don’t rely on it as legal advice. If you’d like to speak to us about your own legal requirements, please contact one of our expert lawyers.