So we now need to brace ourselves for significant structural change within the NHS. After a decade of governing the model of healthcare, NHS England is considered no longer fit for purpose or benefitting from economies of scale. Indeed diseconomies of scale have developed, with layers of bureaucracy leading to a disconnect between decision-makers and realities on the ground.
The services NHSE oversees will be dissolved, merged with other health bodies, or maintained under new management. The objective is to form a streamlined model of national healthcare. Let’s see. The balance between regionally determined healthcare structures specific to local populations and that of a centralised governing body aiming to enhance equality of care and unify standards is difficult. But one thing we all agree on is the need to reduce bureaucracy “the checkers and blockers”, enhance efficiency, and improve collaboration across different healthcare sectors.
Whilst the impact on haematology services remains to be seen, there is potential for improved resource allocation, better integration of care pathways, and more responsive decision-making in addressing the needs of haematology patients. It is more important than ever to strive to keep individuals well in their communities for as long as possible. We have a part to play in building community resilience in our field, in primary prevention, secondary prevention and managing and monitoring established disease.
The liaison haematology support we give to primary care is paramount in keeping people out of hospital. This has been recognised by the government in incentivising GPs to seek advice before referral. In turn, a 30% increase in Advice & Guidance work has been anticipated. To support our members with this, we are developing a bank of responses to common queries that will be behind the members’ wall on the website, available to use or adapt for local purposes. If you have good examples you are proud of and happy to share, then send them in. Your preferences for any disclaimers or acknowledgement will be discussed with you.
We are also in the second phase of our liaison study. Having defined liaison haematology in the first phase, the second phase is to assess how much time is spent on this activity and by whom. With this information we will ensure sufficient time is allocated in respective job plans. The invisible work undertaken by haematologists has already been flagged with national workforce modellers and we will continue to bang this drum.
For the longer term, I’m optimistic that national restructuring of healthcare, reduced bureaucracy and our efforts in improving the haematology workforce will enhance wellbeing and experience amongst the haematology workforce, which our research has found wanting.
To help us understand how best we can support our diverse membership, Research by Design will be carrying out interviews at the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Glasgow next month. You can book your slot for this through the ASM programme.
The BSH enjoys a culture of improvement. This was evident at our second SIGs (special interest groups) and committees day last week, when innovative ideas were shared and plans discussed. The BSH leadership team has grown in accordance with our increased activities and last month we welcomed a new Head of Education, Steph Tweedale and a new Policy Officer, Peter Kanyike. They have both hit the ground running with plenty to do. Most of the BSH team will be present at the ASM so drop by the BSH stand to meet them.
Everyone has worked hard to put on an exciting ASM programme, reflected in the greatest number of registrations ever so far. It’s also good to see high numbers for each of the Saturday sessions – Pitfalls in Liaison Haematology, Haematology Essentials and the BSH/EHA Young EHA Research Meeting. These sessions provide important insights for trainees and seniors alike so do share them with your team. Attendees can add them onto their conference attendance or come along for just the Saturday.
We’ve got a great programme of Meet the Experts sessions to be announced soon, covering topics from workforce and liaison haematology to Immune Thrombocytopenia and Car-T therapy for Myeloma. These sessions are always a great opportunity for interaction in smaller groups so keep an eye on your emails for when pre-booking opens. The programme also includes Laura Miller, one of our BSH Trustees, discussing the plans for a Supportive Care SIG which will involve healthcare professionals integral to the care of individuals suffering from haematological disease, in the fields of both haemato-oncology or medical haematology. These include psychologists, pharmacists, nutritionists and physiotherapists amongst others. Your ideas for this SIG are important to us.
Whist there are excellent parallel sessions that might make your choices difficult, please try and attend the welcome address on Sunday morning where we will be joined by the Bailie of Glasgow. The BSH lifetime achievement award will also be presented, along with the research awards from our journals.
The conference event on Sunday night will provide a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends at Platform, in the vibrant heart of Glasgow. Each of the four interconnected railway arches, which have been restored to their historical beauty, will hold a different vibe, so there is something for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!