News / Stevens sets out second half priorities

Speaking at the NHS England September board meeting, Mr Stevens said it was vital the service improved its performance on access and standards. He acknowledged rising demand, particularly in A&E, and added that extra capacity some providers were planning may have to be opened sooner than planned.

The service must ensure the NHS is in the best possible position for 2015/16, he said. NHS England was planning its own efficiencies for 2015/16. It must save £80m (15%), which is likely to lead to a reduction in area team numbers.

In a note to staff, Mr Stevens said a more integrated approach was planned for regions and area teams out of London. ‘It will mean some change, especially to leadership arrangements,’ he said, ‘with area directors likely to oversee a larger geography, working more closely as part of the regional team.’

At the board meeting, Mr Stevens called for improvements on elective waiting times. Extra funding was made available in the summer for more elective activity to meet referral to treatment waiting times standards. In his report to the board he warned: ‘If this cannot soon translate to the agreed increases in operations at local NHS providers, CCGs will need to use unspent funds buying operations from elsewhere.’

NHS England, the NHS Trust Development Authority and Monitor are to publish a five-year forward view this month, outlining how the NHS can meet challenges such as changing needs and constrained finances.