International

Supporting the NHS to share and benefit from international knowledge, good practice and opportunities.

Our international health programme represents NHS expertise and interests in the UK’s international strategy and policy.

Led by Dr Layla McCay, director of policy, the programme includes the NHS European Office in Brussels, which provides the essential link between European policy and legislation and NHS organisations.

Featured

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NHS international intelligence scanning service

Identifying and curating key international reports, research and conversations that provide insight and lessons for NHS leaders.

30 August 2024

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International health services

Raising awareness of learning opportunities from across the globe for Confederation members.

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NHS European Office

Providing the essential link between European policy and legislation and NHS organisations.

We support the NHS to:
- share and benefit from international knowledge and good practice.
- develop, understand and access international opportunities.
- represent NHS interests in Brexit and in relevant EU policy and legislation.
- represent NHS expertise and interests in the UK’s international strategy and policy.
To get involved in our work, please get in touch.

Recent work

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The International Integrated Care Models podcast

Insights on integrated care from across the globe.

1 July 2022

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NHS engagement in international commercial opportunities

This guide aims to support NHS organisations that are considering undertaking or expanding their international commercial work.

15 June 2021

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Latest blogs

Layla McCay

Northern Irish patients cannot be collateral damage in Brexit haggling

When the protocol grace period ends, residents may not be able to access the essential medicines they need.

2 August 2021

Dena Ettehad and Bilal Abou El Ela Bourqin

NHS Reset: Frugal innovation in response to COVID-19 – doing more (and better) with less

Across the globe, COVID-19 has spurred an explosion of innovation. But how have different health services approached this global emergency?

20 November 2020

Layla McCay

Brexit cuts uncertainty for health and care but hurdles remain

Now that a Brexit deal has been struck, what does it mean for the UK’s health and care system?

29 December 2020

Latest news

Danny Mortimer speaking at ConfedExpo 2022.

Tightening visa requirements for social care and health workers could be 'ruinous' to services, leaders warn

NHS Employers has urged the government to reject any proposals to restrict visa rules in health and care.

27 November 2023

An NHS sign on the side of a building.

NHS Confederation responds to the The King’s Fund report comparing the NHS to other countries’ health systems

Dr Layla McCay director of policy at the NHS Confederation on the King's Fund report on how the NHS compares with other health systems

26 June 2023

Healthcare workers checking a monitor on a ward.

The growth in numbers of nurses being recruited from abroad in recent years speaks again to the lack of investment

Danny Mortimer responds to the latest analysis from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on international recruitment.

21 October 2022

Upcoming events

NICON 2025

NICON25 is the premiere event for HSC leaders and partners, bringing them together to discuss how to secure the best health and care outcomes for NI.

15 October 2025 08:00 - 16 October 2025 13:30 GMT

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Stay informed

Health on the Line

New podcast series, hosted by Matthew Taylor, offers fresh perspectives on the healthcare challenges of our time and ways to confront them.

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International Insights newsletter

Keep up to date on the latest pan-European and international healthcare developments.

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Member forums

Convening leaders to develop solutions to shared challenges.

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