The Future Healthcare Network (FHN) was a subscription-based specialist network under the NHS Confederation banner. FHN was a learning network of NHS organisations and commercial partners working together to improve investment in services, technology and healthcare buildings. The network provided support to its members through regular updates, events and briefings - to help them understand and respond to the factors driving change, share information and develop healthcare services fit for the future.
FHN has been successful over the last few years in mainstreaming the importance of robust whole systems strategic planning, and sharing best practice and innovation in design and procurement of major investment projects. The network ceased to exist as a separate membership group in April 2008, but the NHS Confederation will still continue to deliver a work programme in the area of strategy and investment.
Please email jenny.hawkins@nhsconfed.org with any queries you have on FHN or how the NHS Confederation is continuing with the work programme .
We would like to thank all our members and contributors for all your support over the last few years.
News
Information Exchange is our FHN newsletter. This briefing provides an update exclusively to Future Healthcare Network members, published approximately once per month. As FHN is now officially closed the last copy of this (March 2008) is available below.
Previous Events
FHN members can access presentations and summaries from past events.
Building Change
In looking at the future needs for health infrastructure, FHN is exploring links between system change, technology change, workforce and changes to the design of the physical environment.
Mental Health
There is currently an unprecedented level of spending on new mental health facilities. The NHS Confederation and Future Healthcare Network called for strategic investment to fit in with emerging models of care, to improve service user experiences and outcomes.
System change
The NHS is undergoing a profound process of transformational change. At its heart is the vision of a service focused around the patient, delivering against national standards and showing clear improvements in the quality of care provided.
Procurement
Several different procurement approaches are being used in healthcare: Private Finance Initiative (PFI), Local Improvement Finance Trusts (LIFT), Community Ventures, ProCure21, Connecting for Health, and the national ISTC procurement.
Workforce and Technology Change
The development of a workforce that is fit for future requirements is fundamental to delivering the health system for 2010 and beyond. Redesigning the workforce, however, has been an area which the NHS has found most difficult and although not new, it was never part of mainstream practice.
FHN publications
This page lists the FHN publications.
Last reviewed 4 Jul 2008