Systems and value

As we move into the summer months, annual accounts are behind us and we are starting to see how the financial year is beginning to take shape. 

I have always found this time of year useful for putting things in train to ensure that the plans we set earlier get delivered.

System-wise, my sustainability and transformation partnership (STP)/integrated care system (ICS) in Lancashire is working well.

We have agreed a system control total and are now working more collaboratively than ever on the financial strategy to deliver it. 

We know it isn’t going to be easy, and there are some real financial and performance challenges ahead, including in my own sector, mental health. 

However, we have a real sense of being in this together and I am optimistic we will end up in a better place, providing better health services to the residents of Lancashire as a result. 

No two STPs are the same, and the more we can do to learn from each other about making the new system work, the better.

One of the real advantages of this more integrated approach is an opportunity to use the whole wellbeing and healthcare pathway to improve the effectiveness of the care the NHS provides. 

At the value summit at the end of May, some great examples of integrated working were showcased. 

The work in Surrey and Sussex was an excellent example of how clinicians and finance professionals can work together using best value techniques to optimise the musculoskeletal pathway.

The concept of value remains a really powerful tool because it provides finance and clinicians with a common language for using data to improve services and outcomes. 

For me, the evidence for this can be found in the number of clinicians who attend the HFMA value events – and the value summit was a great example of this trend.

As I have commented previously, this is too good an opportunity to miss. With the combined effort of clinicians and finance, solutions can be found to most challenges. 

It is a chance to tackle unwarranted variation and it is also how we can start to look across whole pathways, not just the section within our own specific organisations.

I know finding the time to attend events such as the value summit can be difficult, but please take the time to read some of the outputs from the event as I am are sure you will find some real value.

The summer months also see the start of the first round of branch conferences during June and July. 

I am looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible supporting your local branch – and hopefully finding time to catch up on what is happening within your region.

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