Morning, Thursday, 25th September 2025
Online
This conference will examine next steps in elective recovery and waiting time reform in England, examining ongoing developments in elective care policy and examine their impact on service delivery, funding mechanisms, and patient outcomes.
It will bring together key stakeholders and policymakers to consider the Government’s aim of ensuring 92% of patients receive treatment within 18 weeks is to be met by March 2029, and what is needed moving forward. The agenda includes a focus on practical issues for implementation of the Reforming elective care for patients plan, including implications for patients, workforce planning, and system-wide coordination. Delegates will also discuss how measures in the plan can be sustained over time, including issues for long-term funding, workforce capacity, service delivery models, and the ability to adapt to future healthcare demands.
We expect discussion to assess the potential impact of the Government’s planned changes to merge the functions of NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care.
Delegates will also look at the role of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in decision-making and resource allocation, as well as strategies for addressing workforce shortages, advancing skills development, securing funding and sustained investment, and setting frameworks for the involvement of the independent sector.
Further sessions will examine priorities for new surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres, approaches to improving efficiency, innovation in digital tools and data integration to enhance patient management and streamline service delivery. Strategic considerations for achieving equitable access for all patient groups will be discussed, as well as best practice in effective communication, including providing clear treatment options, and considering patient preferences and needs.
We also expect discussion on long-term implications of elective care reform, including how best to align policy, investment, and delivery structures to ensure sustainability. Delegates will consider frameworks for collaboration, including primary, secondary and community care, as well as independent providers, to optimise resources, efficiency and patient outcomes.
With the agenda currently in the drafting stage, overall areas for discussion include:
- policy:
- implementation of the Reforming elective care for patients plan - responsibilities for ICBs
- strategies for meeting treatment targets by March 2029 - coordination with wider policy objectives, including alignment with the NHS 10-year Health Plan
- implications of the recently announced government plans for reorganisation of the NHS in England
- workforce:
- addressing barriers to recruiting and retaining staff - tackling key shortages in nursing and specialist care
- options for incentives for elective care providers to increase workforce availability - priorities for leadership and accountability
- funding:
- the future for the elective recovery fund and alternative mechanisms - partnership and financial frameworks for involvement of the independent sector
- priorities and strategic considerations for allocation of resources to areas with the greatest need
- independent sector collaboration:
- defining the role of independent providers in reducing waiting lists - ensuring equitable access to treatment across NHS and independent settings
- establishing safeguards for maintaining quality of care - addressing concerns over transparency and value for money
- digital transformation:
- practicalities, issues and strategic pathways for transition to digital services - provision for digitally disadvantaged patients - the role of traditional communication channels
- assessing potential impact of digital reforms on patient choice, healthcare outcomes and the health and social care workforce - priorities for staff engagement, training and development
- infrastructure:
- developing effective and efficient new surgical hubs and community diagnostic centres - staffing and resource needs for expanded capacity
- optimising utilisation across NHS and independent facilities - infrastructure development to support local and regional accessibility
- patient experience:
- promoting patient-centred care models - improving support for those on waiting lists - ensuring clear communication on treatment options
- addressing inequalities in patient access and involvement in healthcare decisions
- coordination across care settings:
- strategies for enhanced collaboration between primary, secondary, and community care providers - best practice in models for integrated service delivery
- ensuring continuity of care for complex cases - advancing the role of community-based services in reducing pressure on hospitals
- cancer care priorities:
- advancing early detection and treatment strategies under the forthcoming National Cancer Plan - expanding access to innovation in diagnostics and therapies
- addressing regional disparities in cancer survival rates - integrating prevention within broader elective care reforms
- long-term system resilience:
- aligning policy, investment, and delivery structures for future healthcare needs - fostering innovation in care models and technology
- strategic options for achieving improved productivity and efficiency - key considerations for securing sustainability of elective care reforms beyond 2029
