Healthcare Leaders Tackle NHS 10-Year Plan Implementation Challenges in Expert Webinar

Healthcare transformation experts have discussed the practical realities of implementing the NHS 10-year plan whilst protecting patient outcomes, revealing both significant opportunities and critical implementation challenges ahead.

The expert panel who were guests on the webinar: The Ten Year Plan – Implementing Change While Protecting Outcomes, featured Dr Natasha Behl from Solihull Healthcare Partnership, independent improvement specialist Nick Downham, and Steve Boam from Develop Consulting,  and was chaired by NHS Strategic Advisor Darren Jones.

Dr Behl identified workforce sustainability as the primary challenge, noting it’s “not just about recruitment and retention, but ensuring the workforce is supported, skilled and resilient enough to deliver on this ambition.” However, she highlighted the opportunity to redefine care models and embrace multidisciplinary approaches that could create a more equitable, person-centred system.

Nick Downham described the 10-year plan as “a brochure of intent” that creates opportunities for providers to get ahead of the agenda. He emphasised that successful transformation requires moving from deficit-based models that “do to people” towards asset-based approaches that “do with people.”

The panel also discussed the importance of neighbourhood teams. Dr Behl shared insights from Birmingham’s successful integrated neighbourhood team model, which focuses on respiratory health and operates from a purpose-built facility near Heartlands Hospital, bringing together consultants, nurses, GPs, physiotherapy, and imaging services under one roof.

However, the discussion revealed concerning insights about access and productivity. Despite widespread focus on increasing appointment availability, the panel’s data showed that practices aren’t seeing new patients, but rather seeing the same patients more frequently. Steve Boam, CEO of Develop Consulting said that while airport passenger numbers have increased 25% since 2019 with fewer staff, NHS productivity remains 11% behind pre-pandemic levels despite increased funding.

Dr Behl shared transformation experience from her own practice, where implementing a digital front door initially caused staff concerns. However, through careful co-design with staff and protected learning time, the practice achieved improved staff satisfaction and better patient access. “Transformation can’t happen to the workforce,” she emphasised. “It needs to happen with the workforce.”

The panel identified that addressing “failure demand” – with up to 19% of GP consultations representing failed previous interactions – could create headroom for both maintaining quality and implementing change.

FREE NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM ASSESSMENTS AVAILABLE

 Develop Consulting is offering five free neighbourhood team assessments to help organisations define their current position and develop practical implementation plans. “People understand what they want to do, but it’s the how – not the what – where they need support,” said Mr Boam

To secure one of these valuable free assessments, contact: info@develop-consulting.co.uk

The webinar, attended by over 140 healthcare professionals, highlighted that success depends on practical implementation methodologies rather than just policy intentions.

You can watch the webinar again via this link: https://youtu.be/ymNL4QoHbr4