The NHS Providers Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024, held at ACC Liverpool on 12-13 November, brought together over 800 senior NHS leaders, system partners and key stakeholders. With the theme of ‘Next Generation’, the event focused on fortifying the NHS to remain effective and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
A unified front for innovation and support
Representatives from all four NHS Commissioning Support Units (CSUs): Arden & GEM, Midlands and Lancashire (ML), North of England Commissioning Support (NECS) and South, Central and West (SCW) collaborated to address the pressing challenges within workforce transformation, digital innovation and health inequalities. The CSUs showcased innovative solutions designed to enhance efficiency, optimise patient care and improve productivity across the NHS ecosystem.
Improving patient experience while waiting: safely validating and reducing waiting lists
Over 50 people attended the speaker slot session. The session explored person-centred approaches that providers could take to improve patients' experience while they waited for care. The speakers showcased strategies such as patient-led validation, technical validation through data-driven quality checks, and "waiting well" through targeted health coaching. These approaches were designed to optimise care pathways across primary, acute, community, and mental health services. They aimed to ensure patients were on the right treatment path and empowered them to manage their health, all while enhancing safety and outcomes.
The session was delivered by Sarah Warren and Dr Kathy Smith (NHS SCW) and David Welch (NECS).
Thank you to the delegates
Another 30 strategic leaders from across the provider landscape were also engaged through the CSU networking lounge. The four CSUs extended heartfelt gratitude to all who visited their networking lounge and participated in discussions. These exchanges provided valuable insights into current challenges and the ways in which CSUs can tailor support to meet future needs.
Looking ahead
The conference was a powerful platform for collaboration, sparking new ideas to strengthen the NHS. Delegates left inspired by the shared vision of innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, laying the groundwork for the next generation of healthcare.
For more information on CSUs, visit the NHS Providers Annual Conference and Exhibition 2024 information hub.