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Now is the time for delivery – reflections from NHS ConfedExpo
Partner, Health and Integrated Care
Blog
24th June 2025
Ric Whalley, Partner, Health and Integrated Care, shares his reflections from attending NHS ConfedExpo at a critical time for the NHS.
“ConfedExpo 2025 came at a moment of significant transition and opportunity for the NHS. Rarely have we stood at such a pivotal point: a new government has settled in and is actively shaping its agenda, the recent Spending Review has reaffirmed investment in the NHS, and a new senior team at NHS England is steering a significant restructure. With the 10-year plan on the horizon and the direction of travel clearly articulated through the “three shifts,” the message is clear – now is the time for delivery.
Embracing the neighbourhood model
One of the biggest themes throughout the conference was the focus on neighbourhoods. It was great to hear how strongly this concept is being embraced across the system. Conversations are shifting toward holistic, person-centred care – meeting people’s needs in the context of their communities. While these concepts aren’t new, the groundswell of support feels stronger than ever. Leaders’ attentions were turning to the challenge of scaling this ambition, no easy task, particularly in the midst of the current financial pressures and wider changes underway. Birmingham’s outcomes-driven work and the operating model blueprint emerging from London, are powerful examples of what’s possible.
AI and Digital: embedding into practice
There was a palpable sense that the moment for AI and digital transformation has arrived. But the real differentiator isn’t the technology itself – many of these tools have been around for some time. What matters is how we embed them into everyday practice. It’s about changing behaviours, redesigning processes, and supporting teams to harness these innovations effectively. West Herts stood out with its scientific rigour in evaluating the cost-benefit of virtual care – an approach we need to see more of.
Elective Care: a hidden challenge?
Interestingly, elective care didn’t dominate the agenda as much as one might expect, given its political prominence. This raises critical questions: are early performance improvements masking a deeper, unresolved bulge in demand? Will recent investments in elective performance be able to be maintained, or better, more efficient ways found? In several systems we’re working with, that underlying demand is still very real, particularly in outpatients as Penny Dash highlighted in her commentary. I suspect we’ll see pressure ramp up over this political cycle, perhaps the takeaway for now is that the hard work and transformation needed here won’t go away soon.
Leadership amidst change
Understandably, there was some frustration among ICB leaders about the pace and coordination of change. Yet, what stood out was their resilience and determination. Despite the scars, there’s a strong commitment to doing the right thing and leading their teams forward. Most are aligned with the direction being set and are actively seeking the opportunities within it.
A sense of hope and optimism
In a system under immense pressure and facing rapid change, what struck me most was the prevailing sense of hope and optimism. There’s a “can-do” spirit that we must nurture. With the right support, clarity of purpose, and a focus on delivery, we can turn this moment into real, lasting progress.”