Restructure alone will not be enough - NHS Confed

clock

The NHS Confederation has warned while the NHS is striving for success, the restructure alone will not be enough.

Mike Farrar, chief executive at the NHS Confederation, said there was a big opportunity to improve care and the reforms needed to take advantage of the clinical expertise of commissioning organisations.

He said: "People in the NHS really want the new system to be a success, but it can't be set up to fail. New structures alone won't enable us to tackle these challenges, and we should not see them as a silver bullet. Those doing the day job face major pressures in trying to keep the NHS's head above water, while focusing on making the new world work."

The warning comes amid unprecedented financial challenges for the NHS as it also tries to rebuild public confidence following the failings in care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Farrar said people were rightly concerned about reports of poor standards of dignity and care and a fully accountable new system was crucial.

He said: "Our colleagues in local government are also facing tight pressures on social care services. The Government has set out its plans to help fund social care in the future, but this is only half the solution. The system is creaking under the pressure in the short term.

"We share the problem and we must share the solutions. We need to address this issue now and transform models of care. Otherwise we run the risk that people will continue to find themselves in a crisis before they get the care and support they require and rightly deserve."

Author spotlight

Nicola Culley

More on PMI

PMI admissions hit fourth record year in a row: PHIN
PMI

PMI admissions hit fourth record year in a row: PHIN

Fifth consecutive year of growth

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 June 2026 • 3 min read
Private health admissions up 23% since pre-pandemic: PHIN
PMI

Private health admissions up 23% since pre-pandemic: PHIN

953,000 admissions in 2025

Cameron Roberts
clock 02 June 2026 • 1 min read
PMI claims satisfaction rises despite consumer fall in trust
PMI

PMI claims satisfaction rises despite consumer fall in trust

Fairer Finance's Trust in PMI Index

Jaskeet Briah
clock 18 May 2026 • 3 min read

Highlights

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

COVER Survey: Advisers damning of protection insurer service levels

"It takes longer than ever to get underwriting terms"

John Brazier
clock 12 October 2023 • 5 min read
Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

Online reviews trump price for young people selecting life and health cover

According to latest ReMark report

John Brazier
clock 11 October 2023 • 2 min read
ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

ABI members with staff neurodiversity policy nearly doubles

Women within executive teams have grown to 32%

Jaskeet Briah
clock 10 October 2023 • 3 min read