Lord Darzi’s Report 2024 – How does this impact the VCSE sector?
Sent on behalf of the Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Collaborative:
Lord Darzi’s Report 2024 – How does this impact the VCSE sector?
Lord Darzi’s Report 2024 was published on 12 September following an independent review of the current performance and challenges facing the NHS across England.
The report found that the ‘NHS is in serious trouble’ and that ‘the first step to rebuilding public trust and confidence in the NHS is to be completely honest about where it stands’.
As part of the report, seven themes on ‘how to repair the NHS’ were identified, these include:
- Re-engage staff and re-empower patients
- Lock in the shift of care closer to home by hardwiring financial flows
- Simplify and innovate care delivery for a neighbourhood NHS
- Drive productivity in hospitals
- Tilt towards technology
- Contribute to the nation’s prosperity
- Reform to make the structure deliver.
Stephen Eames, Chief Executive, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) welcomed the report, commenting:
“Lord Darzi’s honest assessment of the NHS and how it has been rocked by austerity, reorganisation and the COVID pandemic chime with our own reflections and will absolutely strike a chord with staff and patients across our region.
“We are custodians of an incredible organisation which for the last 75 years has brought new life into the world, given hope to people in the darkest of places and provided incredible care and dignity to people at the end of life’s journey.
“The NHS is a very precious commodity. Together with our people, it represents the very essence of who we are as a nation. Yet it is abundantly clear we need to address the underlying issues outlined in Lord Darzi’s report, reform and innovate if we are to pass down a health service that’s fit for purpose to our children and grandchildren.
“The choices and decisions we may need to make in Humber and North Yorkshire won’t always be easy and sometimes they might even be unpopular, but with your support I know we can make the necessary changes that will help ensure the story of the NHS which first began in 1948 is still being written, many decades from now.”
What does the report mean for the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector?
The report highlights that in order to tackle the challenges faced, a whole-system approach that extends beyond the NHS to include social care and the VCSE sector is needed.
The shift towards Integrated Care Systems has created a greater focus on partnership working and integrated models of care that bring together different sectors and services. However, as a sector, we need to advocate for true co-design that includes the local VCSE sector as key delivery partners.
The National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) reviewed the report from a VCSE perspective and found that although ‘the report’s remit was to focus on the NHS specifically, it repeatedly emphasises the importance of social care, community engagement, and the broader social determinants of health in achieving a more integrated and effective health system’.
NAVCA highlighted the following as key opportunities for the VCSE sector:
Addressing Health Inequalities
The report highlights the importance of partnerships between health bodies and the other partners in addressing significant health inequalities across England. The VCSE sector’s deep-rooted presence within local communities and its ability to engage with marginalised groups as crucial in ensuring that health services are accessible and equitable. The NHS cannot tackle health disparities alone; it requires the unique reach and understanding of community organisations to deliver tailored interventions that meet the specific needs of different populations.
Supporting Integrated Care Delivery
The transition to ICS (ICSs) sharpens the focus on collaboration between NHS bodies, local authorities, and the VCSE sector. The report suggests that VCSE organisations can be essential partners in developing integrated care models that provide holistic services across health and social care. VCSE organisations bring valuable expertise in community engagement, patient advocacy, and delivering community-based services that complement traditional health care.
Ensuring the Needs of Vulnerable and Marginalised Communities are Met
The VCSE sector is uniquely positioned to understand and address the needs of vulnerable and marginalised groups, such as those experiencing homelessness, poverty, or mental health challenges. The VCSE sector’s ability to provide services that are culturally sensitive, person-centred, and community-driven is seen as vital in bridging the gaps that often exist within statutory services.
Building Resilience through Community Support
The report underlines the importance of community-based support, particularly in light of the social and economic challenges faced by the NHS. The VCSE sector plays a pivotal role in building community resilience by providing essential health and wellbeing services and addressing the wider determinants of health. Additionally, local and hyper-local VCSE organisations, often informal, that are crucial for fostering community-led health creation. These organisations, driven by the communities they serve, contribute significantly to creating stronger, more resilient and healthier communities.
Gary Sainty, Head of VCSE, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB, commented:
“Lord Darzi’s report is a frank review of the current position of the NHS as a whole and areas of focus for improvement. It highlights a number of areas where the VCSE sector is well positioned to work with our communities and address health inequalities. For Humber and North Yorkshire, we are in a great position to ensure the VCSE contribution is recognised and embedded in our future plans to deliver health and care for our population.
Lord Darzi concluded his report by saying: “The NHS is a wonderful and precious institution. And no matter the challenges it faces, I am convinced it can return to peak performance once again.” We believe that the VCSE sector is crucial in making this a reality.”
Contact the Humber and North Yorkshire VCSE Collaborative via:
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