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Daniel Reynolds

@danielreynolds.bsky.social
328 followers 86 following 73 posts

Former journalist, think tanker and now director of comms @nhsconfed.bsky.social & @nhsemployers.bsky.social Passionate about all things communications, CPFC and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Another 'back to the future' moment in #NHS reform as Govt publishes league tables. My take on the pros & cons. In short, to command public confidence they need to measure the right things, be based on objective data & not be about naming and shaming @nhsconfed.org www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
linkedin.com
NHS league tables: why thoughtful design is essential | Daniel Reynolds
Ever since the Election, there's been a 'back to the future' feeling about much of Labour's NHS reform agenda, and today sees another blast from the past with the return of performance league tables. ...
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Excited that @nhsconfed.org & #NHS Comms AI Taskforce have published a report into #AI adoption in #NHScomms We're seeing lots of positive adoption but uptake is uneven and more governance is required to support safe adoption. Our taskforce will provide this. www.nhsconfed.org/publications...
nhsconfed.org
Artificial intelligence use in NHS communications
Insights, risks and recommendations for safe and effective adoption of AI in NHS communications.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
I interpreted it as certain political parties who may not believe in a free at the point of use NHS…
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Some highlights from SoS speech at #NHSConfedExpo ✅ Clearer priorities/fewer targets ✅ A slimmed down Centre ✅ICBs as strategic commissioners of local services ✅ Reinvigorate the FT model ✅ Change the financial rules - focus on outcomes/reform the tariff ✅ More integration between providers
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Wes Streeting tells #NHSConfedExpo that the #spendingreview settlement puts “wind in the NHS’ sails” but acknowledges it’s below what the health think tanks say is needed. Says we need to take this settlement and combine it with the redesign of services to steer the nhs onto a sustainable path.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting is now speaking at #NHSConfedExpo @nhsconfed.org Starts off by saying the #NHS as a free at the point of use public service is “in a fight for its life” but he’s confident the NHS will win that fight.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
@nhsconfed.org @confedmatt.bsky.social asked about the #spendingreview settlement Says: ✅ Revenue settlement is good considering what other public services are getting but below long term average ❌ But the big concern is flat capital and no changes (so far) to rules on using private investment
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
@nhsconfed.org @confedmatt.bsky.social now speaking at #NHSConfedExpo ✅ The need to reimagine the NHS based on less hierarchy & built around patients ✅ Fundamental changes to our model of care ✅ Leveraging private investment to boost capital funding ✅ Not losing sight of the wider determinants
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Sir Jim now in conversation with @nhsconfed.org Lord Victor Adebowale. #NHSConfedExpo Talking about moving at pace with the change programme but doing it compassionately: doesn’t want a prolonged process Hints they’re still pushing for a national redundancy scheme: something we’ve been calling for
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Sir Jim Mackey giving his speech at #NHSConfedExpo Highlights so far for me: 1. Much less interference from the Centre 2. Fewer data returns/form filling 3. Focus on outcomes not inputs 4. Trusting people to work things out for their local circumstances 5. Develop greater ambition for the NHS
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
This is key. If there’s no extra capital & no changes to the rules that prevent private investment being used to boost capital funding, the NHS won’t be the ‘big winner’ from the CSR that some are claiming. But it’s hard to be churlish about the 2.8% for revenue given the wider public finances.
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Reposted by Daniel Reynolds
NHS Confederation (now known as The NHS Alliance) @nhsconfed.org · 11/06/2025
"The NHS is still one of the most powerful investments that this country has ever made in its people, and we know that the alternatives are more expensive and less safe. But we must do better" Victor Adebowale and Penny Dash kick off #NHSConfedExpo, setting the tone for 2 days of insightful talks.
"The NHS is still one of the most powerful investments that this country has ever made in its people, and we know that the alternatives are more expensive and less safe. But we must do better".
Lord Victor Adebowale
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Brilliant opening to #NHSConfedExpo from @nhsconfed.org chair Lord Victor Adebowale - clear message on the need to eradicate the inequalities in outcomes that continue to hold back progress. Urges government/NHSE to work hand in glove with local leaders to steer #NHS through this difficult period.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Positive development here - the Secretary of State has chosen not to "call in" nearly all of the service changes put before him since he took up. This is something @nhsconfed.org has been urging. Good to see the Secretary of State holding the line. @hsj.co.uk story 👇 www.hsj.co.uk/service-rede...
hsj.co.uk
Streeting greenlights eight reconfigurations
Wes Streeting has declined to intervene over eight NHS service reconfigurations since taking up his post last summer, HSJ can reveal.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Good news that the elective cap is being scrapped, but intrigued to see what the cost-control plans are that now makes removing the cap affordable. www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
NHS scraps plan to cap costs of bringing down waiting lists
Patients in England can expect to be seen quicker as cost-cutting plans that capped the amount paid to private hospitals for treating NHS patients are abandoned
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
After talking to many local #NHS leaders, @nhsconfed.org is recommending the Treasury creates a national redundancy fund to meet the costs of the redundancies that leaders are being asked to make, as well as helping to ensure savings are realised more quickly 👇 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
Hospitals in England could shed 100,000 jobs in response to cost-cutting orders
Exclusive: Scale of looming job losses prompts NHS leaders to ask Treasury to cover costs
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
While there were no #NHS specific policies, the ObR’s forecasts show a worsening outlook for the economy and the public finances. The upshot is more front loading this year but much less next year and probably during the CSR period. Our @nhsconfed.org briefing 👇 www.nhsconfed.org/publications...
nhsconfed.org
Spring Statement 2025: what you need to know
Unpacking the headline points healthcare leaders need to be aware of in the 2025 Spring Statement.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
@hsj.co.uk coverage of @nhsconfed.org report out today on strategic commissioning and what the 50% cuts to ICB running costs may mean. www.hsj.co.uk/integrated-c...
hsj.co.uk
‘Reform standstill’ threatened over ICB cuts
Service reform and "strategic commissioning" may be "brought to a standstill" by steep cuts to integrated care boards, leaders have warned.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
With so much uncertainty about the future role of ICBs given recent government cuts to their running costs, this new @nhsconfed.org report looks at the importance of strategic commissioning and the vital role of ICBs in driving the government's three #NHS shifts 👇 www.nhsconfed.org/publications...
nhsconfed.org
Pioneers of reform
Six proposed shifts to achieve strategic commissioning that will drive public service reform and ensure a sustainable health and care system.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
This is very good from @hsjeditor.bsky.social on the government's #NHS reorganisation U-turn, going back to the aims of the Lansley reforms and on to what Streeting is attempting now. So many parallels between the two, with some key lessons having not been learned. www.hsj.co.uk/comment/stre...
hsj.co.uk
Streeting is Lansley reborn
The government's abandonment of its stricture against a top-down reorganisation would be breathtaking if it was not so tragic.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Good piece on the limbo that ICBs are in by @mimilaunder.bsky.social Cites the lack of a plan in place which has left many unanswered Qs, and how asking ICBs to cut by 50% by Q3 2025/26 is not credible. Featuring quotes from @nhsconfed.org @sarahjwalter.bsky.social www.hsj.co.uk/expert-brief...
hsj.co.uk
The Integrator: ICBs in limbo and under pressure
Insider tales and must-read analysis on how integration is reshaping health and care systems, NHS providers, primary care, and commissioning. This week by correspondent Mimi Launder
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I contributed to @prweekuk.bsky.social article on how #Covid - 5 years on - has changed #NHS comms. In short, a lot! 1 positive: the behavioural change insights we've generated through the vax programme. 1 negative: combatting more mis and disinformation. www.prweek.co.uk/article/1910...
prweek.co.uk
COVID-19: Five years on, how has healthcare comms changed?
To mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic, PRWeek UK has spoken to some of the UK’s top healthcare comms specialists to get their views on the lasting impacts of the pandemic on the secto...
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Huge moment for #NHS leadership, with NHS England to be absolished. Can understand government's desire to bring the NHS back under direct political control, but this is a huge change and a large scale NHS reorganisation. Very destabilising. @nhsconfed.org view 👇 www.nhsconfed.org/news/nhs-con...
nhsconfed.org
NHS Confederation and NHS Providers joint statement on announcement NHS England will be abolished
This is the end of an era for the NHS and marks the biggest reshaping of its national architecture in a decade.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Agreed but if there is genuine duplication across NHSE and DH - and there does appear to be - then it makes sense to look at it. However, this doesn’t appear to be the best way of doing this.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Agreed. Much of this feels symbolic - i.e. if the centre is asking local NHS leaders to deliver exacting CIPs, then we at the centre need to show that we are playing our part (not a bad thing per se). Obviously this is part of a wider resetting of the civil service based on what McFadden is doing.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
More changes in NHSE's leadership team as government recasts how DHSC & NHSE work together. The scale of the cuts is a surprise, but given the savings needed in 2025/26, there needs to be a reduction in areas of duplication at a national level. @nhsconfed.org view 👇 www.nhsconfed.org/news/nhs-con...
nhsconfed.org
NHS Confederation responds to NHS England leadership changes
These changes represent the biggest reshaping of the NHS’s national architecture in more than a decade.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
As the #NHS gears up for a very difficult planning round for 2025/26 - @confedmatt.bsky.social was on the Today programme earlier urging the government to support @nhsconfed.org members and not push all the financial risk we are seeing on to local NHS leaders and expect them to manage the fallout 👇
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Coverage of NHSE's letter to local #NHS leaders, citing a £6.6bn gap following first round budget submissions ahead of 2025/26. Quotes @nhsconfed.org @confedmatt.bsky.social - "Govt can't push this risk on to local NHS leaders and expect them to manage the fallout" www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
thetimes.com
NHS leaders ordered to propose £7bn cuts to services
Sir Jim Mackey, the interim chief executive of the NHS, has demanded that trust leaders make decisions on how they will cut the spending deficit
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
There's a difficult balance to be struck between wanting to be ambitious on efficiency targets (many #NHS orgs will be looking at cost improvement plans of well over 5%), while at the same time not strong-arming NHS orgs into signing up to fantasy financial plans. We've been here before... 2/2
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Despite what some say about the #NHS budget settlement of Oct 2024, the NHS and @nhsconfed.org members are gearing up for an extremely difficult 2025/26. New letter from NHS England says they are not happy with the first cut budget submissions from NHS orgs. 1/2 www.england.nhs.uk/publication/...
england.nhs.uk
NHS England » Update on 2025/26 planning round
NHS England » Update on 2025/26 planning round
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Good Times interview (£) with Richard Meddings. He rightly calls out the Govt mindset that “thinks financial control is handing out money in small parcels”. @nhsconfed.bsky.social will recognise this - costs spiral & you’re left to prop up inefficient infrastructure www.thetimes.com/article/ee68...
thetimes.com
I chaired the NHS and hardly believed it: sewage flows into sinks
The outgoing chairman of NHS England is full of praise for its staff but says the service is ‘sclerotic’ and relies too heavily on politicians
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Good to see SoS committing to back #NHS leaders if they need to make difficult decisions: let's see it if happens... "NHS must learn to live within its means. We recognise this will mean tough decisions need to be made & local systems should feel empowered to make them." www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Road to recovery: the government's 2025 mandate to NHS England
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Reposted by Daniel Reynolds
NHS Confederation (now known as The NHS Alliance) @nhsconfed.org · 29/01/2025
📻 "Lots of NHS leaders will see things within this report that do resonate and really do make sense..." Dr. Layla McCay discusses the Public Accounts Committee report on NHS financial sustainability with Times Radio today.👇
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Reposted by Daniel Reynolds
NHS Confederation (now known as The NHS Alliance) @nhsconfed.org · 29/01/2025
Is AI the future of radiology? 🤔 Tune in to #HealthontheLine as Matthew Taylor chats with Dr Katharine Halliday about radiology's role, workforce challenges, and AI's potential. Plus, insights from the BBC's Nick Triggle and Stacey Hunter's innovative NHS solutions. Listen now on our website. 💡
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Lots of good recs in PAC #NHS report, not least what it says about the centre making heroic assumptions on efficiency savings. But I can’t remember a Sel Comm report with such an excoriating tone & it confuses what Govt versus ALBs have accountability for. committees.parliament.uk/committee/12...
committees.parliament.uk
Future of the NHS: Health officials out of ideas and remarkably complacent, PAC finds - Committees - UK Parliament
Report finds lack of fresh thinking and decisive action within NHS England and DHSC paired with overly optimistic planning assumptions as financial position continues to worsen.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
That was why we picked 11 June - all part of a seamless strategy of course 😂
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Many would say parts of the NHP were a work of fiction, so a reset was inevitable. But these delays will add costs - 1 member said it will add c£150m to their new hospital. This isn't an efficient way of allocating capital @nhsconfed.bsky.social statement 👇 2/2 www.nhsconfed.org/news/nhs-con...
nhsconfed.org
NHS Confederation responds to government announcement on delays to the New Hospital Programme
Matthew Taylor comments on government's New Hospital Programme announcement
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Hearing a lot from our @nhsconfed.bsky.social members today about the impact of the delays to the New Hospital Programme. Main 3 are: 1️⃣ Risks to patient safety 2️⃣ Impact on reducing waiting lists & improving productivity 3️⃣ Ongoing costs of maintaining old buildings. 1/2
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
There's a certain irony to this... www.hsj.co.uk/finance-and-...
hsj.co.uk
Exclusive: Ministers spent £500k dismantling then rebuilding their offices
Two successive health and social care secretaries spent nearly £500,000 dismantling and then rebuilding ministerial offices in their department, HSJ has learned.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
There's been lots of coverage on corridor care. No NHS leader would say this is acceptable but as this good article shows, it may be the lesser of 2 evils. Quotes @nhsconfed.bsky.social Matthew Taylor: "NHS leaders are doing all they can to find more appropriate spaces." www.ft.com/content/9685...
ft.com
‘Better than lying on the floor at home’: how corridor care became the norm in the NHS
About 70% of nurses in the UK are delivering care in ‘inappropriate’ settings, says union
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Interesting piece on the NHS' planning guidance for 2025/26. @nhsconfed.bsky.social has been calling for a realistic delivery ask backed up with support from the government. Matthew Taylor quoted here saying "progress for patients will require difficult choices.” www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
thetimes.com
Wes Streeting rejects NHS plan to water down A&E targets
The health secretary has insisted on retaining the goal of 78 per cent of A&E patients being seen within four hours as well as PM’s promise of more routine operations
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
@nhsconfed.bsky.social Matthew Taylor in this article on winter pressures, saying the NHS has done all it can in advance to reduce risk to patients but that local services are in a position of "national vulnerability" with intense pressures starting to impact services. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Flu rises sharply in England's hospitals
The number of people with flu in hospital has quadrupled in the last month, the latest data shows.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
Matthew Taylor on Today talking through @nhsconfed.bsky.social member concerns about the pressure on local #NHS services in the next 2-3 weeks, with a spike in flu cases, cold weather warning and high demand on all parts of the system 👇
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
It also shouldn't be under-estimated how intrinsic social care reform (extra support, better salaries & career paths, plus more funding) is to alleviating some of the demand on the #NHS The first phase of the commission needs to expedite some of the more immediate improvements that can be made.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Good to see the government trying to grip the long over-looked issue of #socialcare reform. While I can see why cross-party consensus is highly desirable, I wonder how realistic that will be given the commission reports a year out from the election. The govt has a large majority and should use it.
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
@nhsconfed.bsky.social CEO Matthew Taylor said: “The NHS has done all it can in advance to mitigate risks to patients this winter, but we should be under no illusions that it's in a position of national vulnerability as the intense pressures we are now seeing start to grip local services." 5/5
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
An acute trust director told @nhsconfed.bsky.social “We have a huge flu spike. High numbers are coming through our ED with flu & RSV. Pressure on cubicles has been high." A primary care leader said: “We are seeing lots of respiratory illness, NV & flu & complex frailty issues for over 70s." 4/5
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
As the @england.nhs.uk stats show, these pressures are being compounded by: ❌ "Skyrocketing" flu cases ❌ An average of 723 patients with norovirus in hospital in the week ending 22 Dec ❌ And now an amber cold health alert issued by UKHSA www.england.nhs.uk/2025/01/hosp... 3/5
england.nhs.uk
NHS England » Hospital patients with flu quadrupled to over 5,000 ahead of New Year
New NHS data covering the Christmas and New Year period shows flu cases have continued to skyrocket, with over 5,000 patients hospitalised with the virus at the end of last week. Last week (w/e 29 Dec...
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Daniel Reynolds @danielreynolds.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
Local NHS leaders tell @nhsconfed.bsky.social of: ➡️ Rising demand and higher acuity among patients ➡️ Higher staff absences from flu ➡️ Bed capacity at close to 100% in many trusts ➡️ Trusts finding it difficult to isolate patients with serious health conditions from those with flu. 2/5
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