iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Tim Gardner

The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

🧵 NEW: Our analysis, which draws on the NHS monthly performance data released yesterday, shows that the NHS has met its headline interim target of 65% of elective care waits within 18 weeks but has fallen short on four other key targets set for March 2026 ⬇️

A person with long, dark hair beside the text 'Achieving the 65% interim target shows positive progress but looking forward, there is a risk that recent gains reflect short-term measures that will be difficult to sustain as the required pace of improvement increases.
Freya Tracey, Senior Data Analyst at the Health Foundation'

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Yes, think you're right - generally fewer interactions with services, and interacting with different services for different needs, but overall views (e.g. founding principles etc) generally similar.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Full results of @healthfoundation.bsky.social and @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social 6 monthly public surveys on the NHS are below. Latest results suggest under 65s tend to be slightly less positive than over 65s. But for age groups from 16-64 yrs not many differences at all.

health.org.uk

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

That was my understanding too. In the @healthfoundation.bsky.social polling we do with @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social - which asks similar questions about the founding principles, we find hardly any differences by age either.

health.org.uk

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Where next for integrated care systems? Based on interviews with senior leaders across four ICSs, this new research explores the development of ICSs, their evolving role under Labour and the policy changes needed to deliver on national priorities. Learn more ⬇️

bit.ly

Integrated care systems in England: where next?

Based on interviews with local leaders, our report explores the development and evolving role of ICSs in England, and the policy changes needed to help deliver their objectives.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Our latest survey completed with @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social tracking the UK public’s views on the NHS and social care shows nearly half of the public (48%) delayed or avoided contacting their GP practice about a health concern in the previous 12 months. Read more findings 👇 bit.ly/4tTv1ru

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

More funding for care packages would be welcome, with the usual caveats that social care does not exist purely to support the NHS and the care system desperately needs wider reform and investment. But worth noting that problems arranging social care are far from the only cause of delays.

nuffieldtrust.org.uk

Understanding delays in hospital discharge

Delayed discharges, where a patient is medically fit to leave hospital but is not discharged, are bad for patients and also impact on wider health services. This QualityWatch blog from Laura Schlepper...

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

The focus is on reducing delayed discharges, which also increased in the wake of the pandemic and have proved stubbornly difficult to address over the last few years.

health.org.uk

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Over 12 hour trolley waits in A&E were a rarity 10 years ago, but numbers have increased dramatically post-pandemic and are set to hit new records in 2025. The problem hasn't received nearly enough attention, so good to see this being put on the political agenda.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

cescacava.bsky.social @cescacava.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Rachel Reeves’ speech today ahead of the Budget hailed the government’s success in cutting the waiting list by 200,000 – but is this progress enough to reach their target of 92% waits ≤18 weeks by 2029? Our projections show, if trends continue, they would fall short of this target: bit.ly/4nUuzFT

health.org.uk

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Charles Tallack @charlestallack.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

The Labour government’s most prominent commitment on health is to get waiting times back to 18 weeks by the end of the Parliament. Are they on track? We looked at this for last night’s Peston show youtu.be/yc-9Psk3gk8?... 🧵

youtu.be

PESTON LIVE - 02/07/2025

YouTube video by Peston

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Pete Stilwell @pstilwell.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

It’s a critical time to be shaping the future of health policy. This job puts you right at the heart of the Health Foundation’s influencing work. Get involved.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Perhaps the 10 year plan will say more. I hope so. The government has already committed to recovering 18 weeks by the end of the parliament. Getting UEC performance back to anywhere close to the 4 hour target will need a similarly bold, medium term ambition, backed with the necessary resources.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

The plan is squarely focused on preparing for next winter, which is exactly what @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social promised... ...but not looking at the longer-term recovery of UEC services feels a missed opportunity, especially for a plan that took almost 6 months to produce.

hansard.parliament.uk

Health and Social Care: Winter Update - Hansard - UK Parliament

Hansard record of the item : ' Health and Social Care: Winter Update' on Wednesday 15 January 2025.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Also good to see a renewed focus on improving flu vaccination coverage for 'at risk' groups and health care workers. We highlighted the need to do this, along with tackling the growth in very long waits, in recent @healthfoundation.bsky.social analysis of winter pressures in 2024/25.

health.org.uk

Did the NHS experience record pressures this winter?

An analysis of this year's winter pressures and what can be learned as the health service looks ahead to next winter.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

New urgent and emergency care recovery plan published by NHS England today. Some welcome measures, including a focus on reducing very long waits in A&E, improving flow within hospitals and a commitment to more transparency, including publishing data on corridor care.

england.nhs.uk

NHS England » Urgent and emergency care plan 2025/26

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 01/06/2025

Causes of low flu (and Covid-19) vaccination coverage among frontline NHS workers last winter urgently need to be understood. Addressing low uptake not a silver bullet for preventing winter crises, but could help to reduce risk. As flagged in recent @healthfoundation.bsky.social analysis.

health.org.uk

Did the NHS experience record pressures this winter?

An analysis of this year's winter pressures and what can be learned as the health service looks ahead to next winter.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

General practice in England is facing significant pressure. Despite record numbers of appointments, more GPs are still needed, especially in deprived areas, where need is the greatest. Explore our updated general practice data dashboard ⬇️ buff.ly/TZa6pum

Line chart of the monthly estimated total count of general practice appointments, including and excluding COVID-19 vaccinations, showing that the number of appointments in general practice is now substantially higher than before the pandemic, having dropped during the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

What does the new GP contract for 2025/26 really mean for patients and GPs? Great round up by @jaketreenotsea.bsky.social of what's included, the significance of the new agreement and what needs to happen next.

health.org.uk

Calm before the storm? Unpacking the new GP contract

Jake Beech explores what’s been agreed in the new GP contract, and what this really means for general practice.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Jo Bibby @jobibby.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

📣📣📣 Absolutely fabulous job opportunity @healthfoundation.bsky.social for a Public Health Consultant with the drive to improve health and reduce inequalities through transforming prevention policy - in its broadest sense - across the UK! Please share ☺️ lde.tbe.taleo.net/lde01/ats/ca...

lde.tbe.taleo.net

Hiring Assistant Director, - Salisbury Square, EC4Y 8AP

View job details and apply now

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

We want to hear from potential, current or (fairly recent) ex-civil service fast streamers! Please take a few minutes to fill in our survey ⬇️

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Sharlene McGee @sharlenemcgee.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

The govt confirms councils' core spending will rise by 6.8% in 2025/26, compared w/ 6% previously announced, helping fund some vital services supporting good health. But given long-term underfunding & social care pressures councils will still turn to cuts & council tax rises to stabilise finances🧵

gov.uk

Local Government Finance Report 2025 to 2026

The Local Government Finance Report for 2025 to 2026.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Adam Briggs @admbriggs.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

DHSC's now responded to the @houseoflords.parliament.uk 'Recipe for Health' report on how to fix our food system The response includes: -a new food strategy to come from Defra -recognition that it needs a cross-gov approach -industry to remain v much part of the solution www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

Government response to the House of Lords food and health report

The government’s response to the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee's report 'Recipe for health: a plan to fix our broken food system'.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

So #NHS definitely not out of woods yet - still under severe strain from D&V and flu. But we continue to see some more positive signs too - fall in RSV, Covid-19 still low, easing of A&E diverts/ambulance delays, decreasing flu beds/circulation.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

But cautious positives from last week continue - compared to earlier this winter: 🔻A&E diverts 🔻ambulance handover delays 🔻children in hospital with RSV And Covid-19 remains very low, as it has been throughout.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Impact of vomiting bugs on hospitals has been consistently bad this winter. Reached a new high last week - 1,310 beds closed due to D&V on 26 Jan, worst day in last 3 years. That's pretty hideous when many hospitals are at/close to capacity, with adult G&A bed occupancy averaging nearly 96%.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

UKHSA suggests community circulation is still medium, but decreasing - a welcome change from last week.

gov.uk

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 30 January (week 5)

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

Flu continued to fall in w/c 20 Jan, down to an average of around 2,900 patients in G&A hospital beds per day - down from around 3,700 last week. But decline was fairly slow, still hovering around last year's peak (NHSE data says slightly higher, UKHSA weekly report says slightly below).

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Yes, countries use different mechanisms to fund health care. And yes, this stuff is fascinating to policy wonks. But does it shape health outcomes more than (say) differences in how much is spent, numbers of staff or how services are delivered? No. Great stuff by @sjanereed.bsky.social here.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Nuffield Trust @nuffieldtrust.org.uk · 27/01/2025

Want to see how the #NHS in England is doing at a glance? The new #QualityWatch NHS Performance Dashboard shows key NHS performance data via accessible, visually striking charts and comparative statistics 👇 www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/qualitywatch...

The QualityWatch NHS Performance Dashboard displays key NHS performance metrics for England via accessible charts and comparative statistics.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

New social care commission, new public polling from @healthfoundation.bsky.social @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social... Should the government prioritise cross-party consensus on social care reform or press ahead with delivering reform ASAP? We found the public are split on the right approach.

health.org.uk

The government’s approach to social care reform: what do the public think?

As our new polling shows the public is split on how to tackle social care reform, we reflect on the announcement of another social care commission.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

As @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social astutely observes, general elections are where social care reform plans go to die. But current timeline for the commission’s final report falls close to GE2029. Worth combining commitment to exploring long-term solutions with more immediate action to improve care.

health.org.uk

Social care commissions: looking back to move forward

Adult social care in England desperately needs reform and investment. We look back at the approaches and proposals of previous similar reviews.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

health.org.uk

The government’s approach to social care reform: what do the public think?

As our new polling shows the public is split on how to tackle social care reform, we reflect on the announcement of another social care commission.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

For over a decade, #QualityWatch has been tracking and visualising #NHS data, allowing us to see how policies, interventions and events affect performance. The new NHS performance dashboard looks great! @nuffieldtrust.bsky.social @healthfoundation.bsky.social

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

So, some cause to be optimistic - falls in flu and RSV, Covid-19 still low, A&E/ambulance delays have eased. But need for caution - #NHS still under severe strain from flu and D&V. Increasing community circulation could see further surge in flu. Weather looks milder, but will bring other problems.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Many hospitals still running at/close to capacity, with adult G&A bed occupancy averaging nearly 96%. Some cautious positives too: compared to recent weeks: 🔻A&E diverts 🔻ambulance handover delays 🔻children in hospital with RSV And Covid-19 remains very low, as it has been throughout this winter.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Vomiting bugs are another source of pressure on hospital capacity this winter. BBC reported a 'surge in vomiting bugs' (unfortunate choice of words), but impact on beds has been consistently high. Over 800 beds shut for D&V cases daily on average this winter, far more than 2023/24 or 2022/23.

bbc.co.uk

Vomiting bug keeps pressure on hospitals in England

Norovirus cases are the highest they have been since January 2020.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

And worth noting that latest UKHSA surveillance report shows a mixed picture - falling hospital admissions, but GP practices seeing signs of increased community circulation. Don't think we can discount the risk of a further surge in hospitalisations.

gov.uk

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 16 January (week 3)

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Flu looks to be in retreat, falling to an average of over 3,600 patients in hospital per day in w/c 16 Jan - down from over 5,000 after the new year. But the decline is less rapid than post-high peak in winter 2022/23, with nearly double the number of flu beds needed now vs same week 2 years ago.

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Reposted by Tim Gardner

Nuffield Trust @nuffieldtrust.org.uk · 22/01/2025

Our research team are in Parliament today, as part of @senseaboutsci.bsky.social #EvidenceWeek. We are showcasing the new #QualityWatch NHS Performance Dashboard to MPs, and talking to them about health care access and waiting times in their constituencies.

Nuffield Trust Senior Fellow Dr Liz Fisher talking to MP Susan Murray.

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Charles Tallack @charlestallack.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

ONS estimates of effect of long A&E waits on chance of dying within 30 days. Those waiting >12 hrs had twice the chance of dying than those waiting 2 hrs. From Apr-Dec 2024 1.2 million people waited more than 12 hrs. Association rather than causation but still powerful evidence.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

And we shouldn't overlook norovirus and friends. D&V has closed fewer beds this winter than flu, but it's still at comparatively high levels compared with the last two years. Currently a bit lower than earlier this winter, but still affecting around 750 beds per day.

nhs.uk

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies. Find out how to treat and avoid spreading them, and when to get medical help.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

No. of beds needed for flu patients fell last week, suggesting the peak has passed. 2 caveats: - Numbers still high, will take time to fall - High peak/rapid drop of 2022/23 appears an exception, not the norm. Hopefully the worst is over, but the situation could still be very hard for some time.

UK Health Security Agency chart showing influenza hospital admission rates from 2017/18 to 2024/25, excluding the pandemic years. The chart shows flu admissions declined last week but remain higher than the same week in previous years.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Corridor care tends to be caused by pressures on hospital capacity, which remains very high. G&A bed occupancy averaged nearly 96% last week, as shown by @maxwarner.bsky.social, who produces far nicer charts than I do.

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

The consequences can be utterly horrific, for the patients and family members who experience them and for the NHS staff who have to deliver care in these conditions. As described in this blog from last winter, which sums up some of the wider impacts.

health.org.uk

We shouldn’t get comfortable with corridor ‘care’

Heather Wilson, a registered nurse and Health Foundation Programme and Policy Officer, on the effects of overcrowded hospitals on patients, staff and families

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Tim Gardner @timgardnerthf.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

In 2024, there were 518,202 trolley waits - the time from a decision to admit to admission - lasting 12 hours or more. This compares to 419,560 in 2023 and 348,135 in 2022. These numbers have increased hugely in the wake of the pandemic. In 2019, there were 8,272. In 2014, there were just 390.

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