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NHS 2012-13 operating framework published

Released 25/11/2011

Efficiency savings and QIPP agenda reiterated in NHS annual operating framework released this week

The new NHS operating framework, setting out the business and planning arrangements for the NHS in England for the next year, has been published.

The Operating Framework for the NHS in England 2012/13 describes the national priorities, system levers and enablers needed for NHS organisations to maintain and improve the quality of services provided, while delivering transformational change and maintaining financial stability.

It sets out the practical steps that need to be taken to carry the NHS through a strong and stable transition over the next year, maintaining high quality standards and financial grip, as the NHS moves towards the new modernised system envisaged in Liberating the NHS.

The report reveals what chief executive Sir David Nicholson calls "encouraging early signs" that the NHS is making the "sustainable changes needed" to deliver the QIPP challenge, as referral rates have stabilised.

"Given the complexity and uncertainty of the environment in which we are operating, this performance record is impressive: a testament to the commitment and professionalism of managers and clinicians across the NHS," he said in his introduction.

He also said that the sheer scale and nature of the challenge to make up to £20bn of efficiency savings by 2014/15 would mean that all parts of the NHS need to take "bold, long-term measures" in 2012/13 to secure change.

Sir David also highlighted how 2012/13 will be the critical year in building the new system envisaged in Liberating the NHS white paper.

"That means developing clinical commissioning groups with a clear focus on improving long term conditions care, building on the role of GPs as navigators of the wider system," he said.

David Stout, deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, commented on the 2012/13 operating framework: "In terms of the reforms, this framework shifts the NHS in to implementation mode and away from the political debate. 

"The last thing we need is an operating framework action packed with new initiatives. At a time when the NHS [is] going through huge structural reform, and [in] its most challenging financial period, it is important that commissioners and providers keep their focus on the main tasks at hand."

He reminded that transition to the new system would not be easy. "We should not forget that PCT and SHA clusters are still running the system and have significant responsibilities and targets to meet," he said. "This framework highlights that over the next year, all parts of the system have an enormous range of responsibilities to deliver on as the system goes through substantial change."

Stout said he was happy to see measures to improve the use of the NHS number for patient identification. "This will help money follow patients around the system, improving efficiency and integration, as well as driving better outcomes for patients," he said.

"The need for hospitals and healthcare providers to manage risk to protect patients and services has never been more pressing," said Foundation Trust Network chief executive Sue Slipman, commenting on the impact of efficiency savings announced in the framework.

"They are already shouldering considerable responsibility for keeping the NHS afloat," she continued. "Today's restatement of the four per cent efficiency requirement for the coming year means that they could find themselves in the eye of a perfect storm this winter."

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