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Blog posted by: Luke Heselwood, 7 June 2019.

Reformer of The Week

Simon Stevens, Chief Executive, Nhs England

For announcing at Reform’s Digital Health Conferencethat the NHS will launch a ‘global call for evidence’ on new financial frameworks to incentivise the use of digital technology within the Service.

Reactionary of The Week

Healthcare Politics

For repeated attempts by UK and US political leaders and commentators to use the NHS as a political tool.

Good Week For…

COMMUNITY SENTENCING

On Tuesday, Rt Hon David Gauke MP, Secretary of State for Justice, pledged to abolish prison sentences under six months, in favour of community alternatives.

Valuing Land

Also on Tuesday, an independent report commissioned by the Labour Party put forward recommendations for land reform such as replacing council tax with a property value tax payable by owners.

Bad Week For…

Long-term Thinking

On Tuesday, a report found that Sure Start centres had major health benefits for children in deprived areas and saved the NHS millions. However, funding pressures have meant that many centres have had to close. 

Escaping Poverty

On Thursday, the Office for National Statistics released new data showing that while entry rates into poverty have been stable, the number of people exiting poverty is declining.

Quotes of The Week

“There’s persuasive evidence showing that short custodial sentences do not work in terms of rehabilitation.”

Rt Hon David Gauke MP on Tuesday.

“We want the NHS to be first out of the blocks, so from April next year we propose to change the way we fund care so that NHS organisations who invest in this world-leading technology will be properly rewarded for doing so.”

Simon Stevens on Wednesday.

Reform’s Week

Charlotte Pickles, Director, Reform, appeared on BBC Politics Live.

Claudia Martinez, Research Manager, Reform, authored an opinion piece for the National Health Executive on the key aspects commissioners must consider when implementing Personal Health Budgets.

Luke Heselwood, Senior Researcher, Reform, wrote for Tes calling for an evidenced-based approach to education spending from Tory leadership candidates.

On Wednesday, Reform held its Digital Health Conference, with a keynote address from Simon Stevens. The conference was kindly supported by PA Consulting, Baxter, Doctorlink and Taurus Healthcare. The conference was covered in The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard, HSJ, Digital Health, Computer Weekly, UK Authority, Digital Health Age and The BMJ.

Reform published a Reformer Thoughts, A Data-Driven Approach to Cancer Care, which was kindly supported by AbbVie UK.