In our first live Q&A in early April , we explored the evolving landscape of stakeholder engagement, the stability of clinical networks amidst administrative changes, and the crucial role of Health Innovation Networks (HINs) in new product access. We emphasised the importance of balancing immediate cost savings with long-term value and prevention, and the necessity of continually testing access strategies and co-designing outcomes with key clinical and management leads.

Since then, several critical developments have emerged. The new Revenue Finance and Contracting Guidance for 2025/26 has introduced stringent financial planning requirements, including a 2% efficiency mandate and a shift towards needs-based allocations for acute and mental health services. These changes aim to ensure financial sustainability and effective resource allocation across ICBs.

Additionally, the cost reduction targets for ICBs have been clarified, with specific reductions varying by region. For instance, the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire & Berkshire West (BOB) ICB must reduce its running costs by 35%, aligning with the new national average cost per head of population. This effort includes addressing areas of duplication and reducing non-patient-facing roles to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

We have also seen the abolition of the unpopular elective payment limit and the introduction of new Best Practice Tariffs (BPTs) to encourage outpatient procedures where clinically appropriate. These measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance service delivery and prepare for future challenges.

On Thursday 15th May, Katie and Phil explored these changes with NHS leaders Richard Smale and Gail Fortes Mayer.

This webinar was not be recorded to enable our speakers to share their views openly in these changing times and facilitate a live, active discussion. We will be producing a short written summary of the key discussion points. To request a copy of this, please email evidence@petauri.com.

Background:

On 13^th March, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the abolition of NHS England (NHSE) to “cut bureaucracy” and bring management of the health service “back into democratic control”. The day before, Sir Jim Mackey, interim CEO of NHSE, announced a significant restructuring of ICBs, mandating a 50% reduction in their costs. This will lead to the merger of several ICBs and a substantial reduction in leadership roles. The restructuring is expected to have significant repercussions for the Pharmaceutical and Medtech industries. Learn more about the announcement and our initial thoughts on the implications for industry here. In response, we are hosting a series of NHS Whispers specials to gain early perspectives and direct insights on what this means for the NHS and industry, from those responding to these changes and driving decision-making in the NHS.

Session 1 discussion highlights:

Our host Phil Richardson has provided the following summary of the key points from the discussion in our first session:

1) Stakeholder Engagement:

Identifying and engaging the right stakeholders is crucial. The restructuring of NHS England means that roles and responsibilities of stakeholders are changing, and it is essential to stay updated on these changes to maintain effective engagement. Clinical connections are unlikely to change however there could be a change in management and oversight

2) Clinical Networks:

The future of clinical networks, such as cancer alliances and specialist commissioning groups, is a key focus. While administrative roles might change, the clinical networks themselves are likely to remain intact due to their value. This stability is important for market access strategies.

3) Specialised Commissioning:

There is a possibility of redefining what constitutes specialist commissioning, with some services potentially being managed at a larger scale. The balance of service group delegation may change with scale being more important for some than local commissioning. The discussed the need to stay close to lead clinicians involved in SpecCom.

4) New Product Access:

Health innovation networks and research partnerships play a crucial role in connecting with industry and ensuring that new products and innovations are mature enough for market access. Maintaining strong relationships with these networks is essential for successful market access. They are part of a team of teams, so are useful connectors and allies.

5) Cost vs. Value:

There is a current focus on immediate cost savings rather than long-term value and prevention. Market access directors need to balance the need for short-term financial stability with the long-term goals of prevention and digital transformation. There is a need for value propositions that address both aspects (more than may be needed). Demonstrating cost out will be essential.

6) Access Strategy:

Access strategy needs continual testing, both brand and above brand. Key relationship are needed with clinical and management leads in transformation, partnerships and innovation as co-design of immediate and long term outcomes will be the new norm.

7) Don’t Panic:

This is an evolving situation. Work still needs to get done. Take a calm approach to the change and try to avoid being caught up in the media and political frenzy. Close-in trusted advice is likely to be more useful during the change.

These sessions are conducted live under ‘Chatham House Rules’, to enable our speakers to share their views openly in these changing times and facilitate a live, active discussion. We will be taking questions directly from you in the sessions. To enable this active discussion, the webinars will not be recorded, so please attend live with your questions!

What questions will you put forward? The sessions will be shaped by the questions we receive in advance and on the day, by the live audience. We anticipate, this could include:

• How will the abolition of NHSE affect market access in England?
• What does the restructuring on ICBs mean for Pharma market access?
• How quickly can we expect to see changes on the ground?
• What will this mean for the future of ICBs?
• What will this mean for specialised commissioning and the devolution of specialised services to ICBs?
• Where and how will this change decision-making?
• How should Pharma and Medtech be adapting their strategies?

Since 2014 until very recently, Jo has held senior commissioning roles at Devon ICS or CCG, leaving to take up a consulting role and join our network of NHS Associates a few months’ ago. Jo shares her own experiences of planning for winter and gives us a unique insight into what those in NHS commissioning roles are looking for from industry partners.

In this webinar, Jo and Karen discuss:

• How ICBs and Directors of Commissioning prepare for winter pressures
• The current key areas of focus at Place and ICB level
• Specific challenges and pressures facing the NHS now and in the run up to winter
• Immediate and long-term impact of (expected) new government policies
• How industry can best support the NHS as it plans for winter and beyond
• How your field teams can engage with NHS commissioners over the next few months

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on demand, include:

• July 2024: ‘De-mystifying the NHS – What you need to know about the NHS as a market for your health technology’, with guest speaker Dr Faris Al-Ramadani (Former PCN Clinical Director and GP Partner and HealthTech and Venture Capital Consultant)
• May 2024: ‘NHS primary care panel – the GP Contract and Operational Planning Guidance’, a panel discussion featuring leaders from across primary care
• February 2024: ‘How does funding flow in NHSE Regions?’, with guest speaker Richard Smale (Interim Director of System Co-ordination, NHS England – South West)
• January 2024: ‘NHS policy for 2024/25: strategy and engagement in a world of uncertainty’, a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the NHS
• December 2023: ‘Specialised commissioning in the NHS – how to plan for 2024’, with guest speaker Malcolm Qualie (former Medicines Lead for Specialised Services, NHS England)
• November 2023: ‘Integrated care in NHS Wales – what can England learn from its neighbour?’, with guest speaker Paul Mears (CEO, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board)
• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – How can industry best support PCN leaders?’, with guest speaker Dr Farzana Hussain (GP Principal, The Project Surgery and PCN policy influencer)
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’, with guest speaker Dr Mark Davies (Global Chief Health Officer, IBM)

The NHS in England is complex and ever changing. Recent years have seen the introduction of new structures, new decision-makers and new priorities. If you’ve fallen out of the loop of what’s happening with the NHS, this webinar is here to help.

After de-ciphering some of the new(er) NHS terminologies and structures, we discuss:

• The key steps for introducing a new health technology to the NHS
• Who to speak to, when and where
• What to include in your value proposition to appeal to NHS decision-makers
• How to best meet key stakeholders’ needs
• The challenges of bringing a new technology to the NHS in England

This webinar is for you, if you:

• Work in a global role in an international Medical Devices or Pharmaceutical company and are keen to understand the challenges faced by your UK affiliates
• Are focused on the UK market and are looking to understand more about routes into the NHS
• Are launching in the UK for the first time

We hope this will prompt conversations between global and local teams. We are offering Global and Local teams the opportunity to book a de-brief session, facilitated by our experts, to explore the implications for global / affiliate collaboration and launch. Email info@mtechaccess.co.uk to learn more about this offer.

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

Past NHS Whispers and Global Whispers webinars:

Although much uncertainty remains (not least with the election approaching), there have been recent announcements indicating what we may expect for primary care in the NHS. The 2024–25 GP Contract, along with details of QOF and PCN DES, was published recently, set out over 11 documents. The funded targets set out here are key for Pharma and Medtech market access strategies, as they drive GP practices and their prescribing. The NHS Operational Planning Guidance was also published at the end of March, right before the start of the new financial year.

At this crucial juncture, we sat down with panellists from across primary care to explore:

• Where NHS primary care is heading and what this means for your strategy and business planning
• Prescribing and decision-making in primary care
• The implications of the GP Contract for PCNs, GPs, patients, and industry
• What this means for integration and the integrated care model
• Policy priorities in practice and what to expect in an election year
• How Pharma, Medtech, and Diagnostics companies can best engage with primary care leaders

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand, include:

• February 2024: ‘How does funding flow in NHSE Regions?’ with guest speaker, Richard Smale (Interim Director of System Co-ordination, NHS England – South West)
• January 2024: ‘NHS policy for 2024/25: strategy and engagement in a world of uncertainty’, a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the NHS
• December 2023: ‘Specialised commissioning in the NHS – how to plan for 2024’ with guest speaker Malcolm Qualie, former Medicines Lead for Specialised Services, NHS England
• November 2023: ‘Integrated care in NHS Wales – what can England learn from its neighbour?’ with guest speaker, Paul Mears, CEO, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – how can industry best support PCN leaders?’ with guest speaker, Dr Farzana Hussain, GP Principal, The Project Surgery
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance

Many of our audience may remember Richard from our NHS Transformation Symposium in September 2023, where he shared some fascinating insights into the priorities and challenges facing integrated systems. Richard has since moved to a new role at Region level. With NHSE Regions becoming increasingly prominent, not least in the new specialised commissioning systems, we were delighted to welcome Richard back to explore funding flows, system management, and decision-making at this level.

Richard heads up system co-ordination work across the NHS South West Region. The Region has seven Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), 22 Trusts, nine counties and a resident population of over 5.5 million patients stretching from Gloucestershire and Wiltshire to the Isles of Scilly.

The webinar was led by David Thorne (Principal Consultant, Mtech Access and Transformation Director at Well Up North Primary Care Network [PCN]) who put both the NHS and industry perspectives to Richard to explore the real state of the NHS.

In this webinar, David and Richard discussed:

• Where the NHS is heading and what this means for your strategy and business planning
• Decision making, finances, and funding flows across the NHS
• The role of NHS Regions, particularly with key funding decisions like Specialised Commissioning
• Delivering service change across integrated systems
• Policy priorities in practice and what to expect in an election year
• How Pharma, Medtech, and Diagnostics companies can best engage NHS leaders at Region level

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand, include:

• January 2024: ‘NHS policy for 2024/25: strategy and engagement in a world of uncertainty’, a panel discussion featuring leaders from across the NHS
• December 2023: ‘Specialised commissioning in the NHS – how to plan for 2024’ with guest speaker Malcolm Qualie, former Medicines Lead for Specialised Services, NHS England
• November 2023: ‘Integrated care in NHS Wales – what can England learn from its neighbour?’ with guest speaker, Paul Mears, CEO, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – how can industry best support PCN leaders?’ with guest speaker, Dr Farzana Hussain, GP Principal, The Project Surgery
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• June 2023: ‘The role of nursing in driving digital change in the NHS’ with Jennie Smith, registered nurse, Medtech launch specialist and Director of NHS Insight & Interaction, Mtech Access
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance
• March 2023: ‘Data-led transformation in the NHS – partnering to optimise patient care’ with guest speaker, Stephen Slough, Chief Digital Information Officer, NHS Dorset

This December as we searched the sky for reindeer, we also braced ourselves for the NHS’s planning framework for 2024-25. In past years, planning guidance and policy updates have been published on the last working day before Christmas (even Christmas Eve). Not this year. Instead, NHS leaders received a short ‘update on planning’ letter asking them to continue on without the 2024/25 guidance from Government. So where does this leave the NHS as we move towards the 2024/25 financial year?

In this webinar, we bring together leaders from across the NHS to explore how they are planning and operating in this uncertainty.

We explore:

• Strategy and planning in these times of uncertainty
• What’s happening with GP contracts
• Financial pressures and challenges
• If/where it’s possible to drive forward change in the current environment
• How Pharma and Medtech can best support NHS leaders
• Where the panel would welcome solutions from industry

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand, include:

• December 2023: ‘Specialised commissioning in the NHS – how to plan for 2024’ with guest speaker Malcolm Qualie, former Medicines Lead for Specialised Services, NHS England
• November 2023: ‘Integrated care in NHS Wales – what can England learn from its neighbour?’ with guest speaker, Paul Mears, CEO, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – how can industry best support PCN leaders?’ with guest speaker, Dr Farzana Hussain, GP Principal, The Project Surgery
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance
• March 2023: ‘Data-led transformation in the NHS – partnering to optimise patient care’ with guest speaker, Stephen Slough, Chief Digital Information Officer, NHS Dorset

Last December, we held a webinar  exploring changes in specialised commissioning and the increasing role of ICBs. 12 months on and the uncertainty remains. Devolution of specialised services to ICBs was set for April 2024, yet there are continued delays and confusion. The Northeast and Yorkshire region have agreed with NHS England to delay deferment of specialised services to April 2025. Will other regions follow suit?

In this new NHS Whispers webinar, Malcolm Qualie and David Thorne explored:

• Specialised commissioning in the NHS
• The risks and opportunities that devolution to ICBs will bring
• What we can expect to see in the short and longer term
• How industry can support ICB leaders through this transition
• How Pharma, Medtech, and Diagnostics companies, whose products come under specialised commissioning, can manage these risks and uncertainties

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand, include:

• November 2023: ‘Integrated care in NHS Wales – what can England learn from its neighbour?’ with guest speaker, Paul Mears, CEO, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – how can industry best support PCN leaders?’ with guest speaker, Dr Farzana Hussain, GP Principal, The Project Surgery
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance
• March 2023: ‘Data-led transformation in the NHS – partnering to optimise patient care’ with guest speaker, Stephen Slough, Chief Digital Information Officer, NHS Dorset

Listen to the podcast:

This episode is also available as a podcast. Listen below or search ‘Pharma Market Access Insights  – from Mtech Access’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.

In this NHS Whispers webinar, guest speaker Paul Mears shares his experiences leading a Welsh health board. The 7 Health Boards in Wales have been operating as integrated systems for over a decade. With the NHS in England just getting to grips with integration, we explore what England can learn from the Welsh experience.

Robert and Paul explore:

• How NHS Wales is structured and who the key decision makers are
• How the integrated healthcare system works in Wales and how this differs to what’s happening in England
• How priorities are set and what shapes decision-making at health board level
• The nuances of the Welsh health system and what this means for industry
• How Welsh Health Boards work with industry and the lessons here for ICBs and industry in England
• Prudent healthcare and what this means in practice
• How industry can best engage with health board leaders, what channels to use, and what messages to bring

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand:

• October 2023: ‘Unmet need in NHS primary care – How can industry best support PCN leaders?’ with guest speaker, Dr Farzana Hussain, GP Principal, The Project Surgery
• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance
• March 2023: ‘Data-led transformation in the NHS – partnering to optimise patient care’ with guest speaker, Stephen Slough, Chief Digital Information Officer, NHS Dorset
• February 2023: ‘Innovating for better health – research, collaboration, and innovation in the NHS’ with guest speaker, Bill Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, Wessex AHSN

In this NHS Whispers webinar, Dr Farzana Hussain, former ‘GP of the year’ and strategic influencer over primary care policy, discusses the unmet needs in primary care, how primary care leaders are responding to these challenges, and where industry can best offer support.

Phil and Farzana discuss:

• How unmet needs are identified in primary care, the processes followed, and datasets used to inform decision making
• The specific challenges facing primary care as we head into winter
• The role of PCN leaders and their impact on national policy
• How industry can best support and collaborate with PCNs
• Ongoing lessons from the pandemic and the vaccine roll-out

This webinar forms part of our monthly NHS Whispers series, in which we have in-depth, comprehensive conversations with senior colleagues from the NHS. We explore what their immediate priorities are, what they see as the greatest challenges currently faced by the NHS, and how the NHS might respond to these challenges.

Recent webinars in the NHS Whispers series, now available on-demand:

• September 2023: ‘Population health management: a community effort across health and life sciences’ with guest speaker, Dr Mark Davies, Global Chief Health Officer, IBM
• April 2023: ‘Primary Care and ICBs – what is the next step in the integration journey?’ with guest speaker, Tim Goodson, Executive Officer, Dorset General Practice Alliance
• March 2023: ‘Data-led transformation in the NHS – partnering to optimise patient care’ with guest speaker, Stephen Slough, Chief Digital Information Officer, NHS Dorset
• February 2023: ‘Innovating for better health – research, collaboration and innovation in the NHS’ with guest speaker, Bill Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer, Wessex AHSN