NHS Connecting for Health

NHS Connecting for Health introduced ISIP to support the implementation of complex service transformations and improve different aspects of patient care in the NHS. A national ISIP team worked with directors and managers in Local Health Communities (LHCs) to identify service priorities and put in place structured change programmes to deliver them. Prioritised programmes included: long-term conditions, urgent care, scheduled care, "closer to home" treatment and the national 18 week (referral to treatment) target.

Amtec provided support and capability to the core national ISIP programme and oversaw progress in one of 10 regional areas - Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority (SHA), which covers 14 PCTs. Support ranged from initial ISIP promotion to the development of detailed change plans for each service priority. Priorities were assessed and aggregated nationally, with support from Amtec in its central ISIP role. Developing and sustaining good relationships with senior managers in the constituent health organisations was key to success and Amtec planned accordingly. As the assignment evolved, Amtec provided leadership and mentoring skills and worked with LHC managers and clinicians to produce transformational change plans for each priority.

The national ISIP initiative proved highly successful and progress in Yorkshire and the Humber SHA was indicative of typical outcomes elsewhere. Almost all of the communities in Yorkshire and the Humber submitted full plans for their service priorities. Some completely revised their service planning processes to reflect an ISIP approach. The momentum for service improvement has been considerable and Amtec is regularly asked to share experience of the programme deliverables and lessons learned.