Health and care sector latest developments
NHS set to miss key March targets
The NHS is expected to miss key targets in reducing waiting times for A&E and hospital care.
Analysis by The Guardian shows that the March 2026 target of 65 per cemt of elective care patients being seen within 18 weeks is set to be missed, with only one in three trusts meeting this figure in January.
In February, 74.1 per cent of patients attending A&E were treated within four hours, short of the 78 per cent target set for the end of March.
The Telegraph has reported that further steps are now being taken to drive down waiting lists, with a quota on GPs having to consult on at least one in four referrals coming into effect on Wednesday.
Eli Lilly demands higher NHS drug prices in exchange for resuming UK investment
US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has told the government it will only resume investment in Britain if the NHS agrees to regular increases in drug pricing thresholds and phases out a rebate scheme that cost the industry £1.8 billion last year.
Patrick Johnson, the president of the company’s international business, has said talks with ministers are progressing positively and that he is “optimistic” about reaching agreement by the summer for Britain to pay more for its medicines.
Eli Lilly is also exploring outcome-based pricing models for its Mounjaro weight-loss drug, potentially linking payments to whether patients treated for obesity are able to return to work.
New NHS tech chief appointed
Rob Thompson has been appointed new chief digital, data and technology officer and will oversee tech strategy across the NHS and Department of Health and Social Care.
Mr Thompson will take up the role shortly and will leave the Home Office where he has been director and chief technology officer.
His appointment follows criticism over weak digital leadership and delays in key projects like the single patient record.
Government pilot sees reduction in MSK waits
The government has reported that around 7,500 people living with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues in areas of the country with the longest waiting times were seen quicker thanks to an NHS pilot backed by £3.5 million of investment.
The funding has contributed to a 20 per cent cut in 18 plus week community MSK waiting lists in 17 areas between December 2024 and March 2025, the government said.
Digital tools were used to help patients manage their conditions, while one-day clinics were used to allow for engagement with multiple services in one visit.
Hundreds of Best Start Family Hubs open nationwide
More than 200 Best Start Family Hubs have opened across England to help families save money and access essential support in one place, offering services such as parenting advice, infant feeding help and early SEND support.
Backed by £900 million investment over three years, the hubs aim to simplify access to care from pregnancy through early childhood, with plans to expand to every council area and thousands of additional locations by 2028.
Health secretary, Wes Streeting, said that families will no longer have to “navigate a maze of services”, as support is brought together locally to “spot problems earlier, step in sooner, and move care closer to the communities that need it most”.
Concerns remain over CQC changes
Results from a consultation by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has found that confidence in the body remains low, with widespread scepticism and ‘deep wariness’ after past reforms failed to deliver improvements.
The CQC consulted on plans to change its controversial single assessment framework in October 2025, and results were published last week.
Inspectors have faced heavy criticism for inconsistency, lack of expertise, and rigid scoring systems that sometimes forced them to ‘manipulate scores’, leading to unfair and inaccurate assessments.
While the reforms aim to simplify inspections and rebuild trust, stakeholders stress the need for stronger relationships, regular engagement, and more frequent inspections to ensure safer and more reliable regulation.
