Health and care sector latest developments
NHS England interim deputy chief exec signals push for openness and stability
David Probert, NHS England’s interim deputy chief executive, said the NHS wants to be “the most transparent health service in the world”, particularly on performance and finances.
Speaking to the Health Service Journal, he acknowledged a prolonged period of instability but said leaders hope the system will “start to look forward” and “settle down a little” in the next financial year as planning and restructuring conclude.
On industrial action, Probert said he was “deeply disappointed” by the strikes and “very sorry” for staff having to cover colleagues during an already pressured winter period.
Holding interim roles across both NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, he added that the cultural gap between the two is often overstated, arguing there is “far more that joins us together and unites us than divides us”.
Fears patients with learning disabilities ‘will remain trapped in hospitals’ despite law change
Campaigners are warning that patients with learning disabilities will remain trapped in hospitals despite the passing of new mental health legislation this week.
Health secretary, Wes Streeting, described the government’s new Mental Health Act as “a watershed moment for mental health care” that will mean giving patients more rights over their care.
Campaigners and health leaders have welcomed the new law but warn that more than 2,000 people with learning disabilities and autism will remain stuck in hospital without a plan to bolster community support services.
This aspect of the legislation was a focus for the NHS Confederation during the act’s passage through parliament, with NHS Confederation chair, Lord Adebowale, tabled an amendment calling for a costed plan to ensure that integrated care boards and local authorities are able to provide adequate community services for individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people at risk of detention under Part 2 of the 1983 Act. The amendment called for such a plan to be informed by a consultation with a range of stakeholders.
While not voted on, the amendment received support from a number of peers, including Lord Stevens of Birmingham, former NHS England chief executive, as well as former health ministers Lord Kamall and Earl Howe, who are now shadow minister for health and social care and shadow deputy leader of the House of Lords respectively. It was also adopted by Luke Evans, Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth and shadow parliamentary under secretary for health and social care.
The amendment led to the government committing on record to ‘within a year of royal assent, and each year subsequently, we will lay a written ministerial statement in both Houses. This will include setting out details of the work that has been done over the preceding 12 months to implement this legislation and plans for how we will implement future reforms. It will include progress on the learning disability and autism reforms and plans for community provision.’
Government declines mandatory payment disclosure
The government has declined to introduce laws forcing drug and medical device companies to publish payments to healthcare, opting instead for non-binding guidance five years after a major review recommended legal action.
The Health Service Journal has noted that new guidance will outline what payments should be reported and how, but it will not be published until 2026 and will rely on industry compliance rather than enforcement.
Campaigners and patient groups say this decision weakens transparency and accountability, warning that undisclosed financial ties can undermine trust and influence unsafe healthcare practices.
Dame Carol Black appointed as independent advisor on drugs
Dame Carol Black GBE has been appointed to the role of independent advisor to the UK government on drugs for a three-year term until November 2028.
As independent advisor, Dame Carol will work alongside the Joint Combating Drugs Unit, and champion a whole system, cross-government approach to tackling drugs.
Dame Carol will also advise on the local delivery of these approaches through multi-sector local drugs partnerships.
Commenting on the appointment, public health minister, Ashley Dalton, said: “With our investment of £3.4 billion ringfenced for drug and alcohol treatment and recovery over the next three years, we are committed to reducing drug deaths, supporting people into recovery, and breaking the cycle of harm that affects individuals, families and communities.”
The minister added that Dame Carol’s “continued leadership will be vital as we drive forward a comprehensive public health response.”
