HSJ Health Check

This week we discuss the final outcome of the Thirlwall Inquiry, which examined the failings surrounding the murder and attempted murder of babies by Lucy Letby.  We cover its fierce criticism of managers, the ways in which it fell short and the response.  Also this week we ask - is this the end of the NHS group? This follows news of the high profile collapse of the Humber Health Partnership last week. 

On this episode the tech bureau join Annabelle to discuss the final report from the National Commission into the Regulation of AI in Healthcare - a review that had promised to deliver a “new regulatory rulebook”. We cover the key recommendations, including a tougher role for the medicines watchdog, and the big questions that remain. Full story on the review here:https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/fine-ai-firms-that-harm-patients-demands-tech-commission/8124267.article

NHS is slipping down the government’s list of priorities.We cover the questions that ministers cannot avoid – such as how to tackle funding social care and how far to push the NHS on devolution – as well as the things they should really be decisive about… but probably won’t. 

In a significant intervention this week the national safety watchdog has effectively called for a pause in the rollout of NHS England’s “advice and guidance” policy after linking it to two patient deaths. On this episode we cover what prompted this review, why NHS England has been pushing the use of A&G for the last few years and what it’s future could look like.

On this episode we cover two interesting tech stories. Firstly, new estimates have suggested the federated data platform could have a benefit value of £1.7bn less than a figure given by NHS England a year ago.We talk more about this latest FDP story and what it could mean for the extension of the controversial Palantir contract next year.Also, the national safety watchdog announced last week it has launched in investigation into AI use within the NHS. We ask what prompted this and what it will explore.We also talk more about the news a North Devon maternity unit is closing due to a lack of doctors, and how trusts and the government are approaching this national problem.