New performance assessment framework 'too individualistic'

Responding to NHS England’s new performance assessment framework Sarah Walter, director of the NHS Confederation’s Integrated Care Systems Network, said: 

“NHS leaders will recognise the significant political and fiscal challenges that this framework seeks to address. But it is important we make sure the short timescale on consulting and finalising this does not create unintended consequences for staff and patients.

“We understand the short-term need to get a financial ‘grip’, but we have concerns that this new approach is too individualistic. ICBs are to be held accountable for all the organisations in their system while providers are not held to account for the part they have to play in system performance. This calls into question the ability of systems to achieve the three shifts.

“Given that many of the intractable issues leading to poor performance are often system issues that can require partnership working to solve, we would want a long-term commitment to system – not just organisational - oversight. Otherwise, this could undermine the positive work undertaken so far to support greater integration across services.

“With ICBs and Trusts already tasked with making significant budget cuts, NHS England should seek to minimise the bureaucratic burden when applying the performance regime. ICB leaders were already frustrated at not having the levers they feel they need to enact change.

“There must be a balance between recovery and reform, we can’t wait until the system is recovered to make progress on the vital changes needed to put the NHS on a sustainable footing. ICBs have a key role to play in implementing the upcoming 10 Year Plan and the government’s three shifts, particularly bringing care increasingly into the community and improving preventative services.”