Read Jack Serle's latest HSJi Review, which discusses how Cancer performance remains one of the most stubborn challenges facing NHS providers, with a significant number of trusts falling well short of the 85 per cent standard for treating patients within 62 days of an urgent referral. Read the full article here.

Latest Investigations

New CEO Adam Doyle has reshaped the top team as the ICB pursues a major cost-cutting programme, originally targeting a 49 per cent reduction by April 2026. While the organisation now expects to miss that target, it is aiming to complete a redundancy programme by summer 2026. A recent culture review identified serious concerns, including bullying and discrimination, prompting the ICB to bring in consultants to help address these issues. However, there are concerns that ongoing organisational changes could make it more difficult to resolve cultural problems. Financially, the ICB’s position has worsened, with its reforecast slipping from breakeven to a £198m deficit in late 2025-26, partly due to failure to deliver planned cost improvements. Consultants have been drafted in to support recovery efforts, and a system recovery director is set to be appointed.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, and Gloucestershire are aiming to merge in March 2027, although combining the two systems is expected to be challenging given their very distinct populations and different ways of working. BNSSG does, however, have a strong data system, which it hopes to build on in its role as a strategic commissioner.

The Lampard's public inquiry is consuming significant organisational resources and leadership time, placing additional pressure on the system. At the same time, the trust is progressing what it describes as a “world first” electronic patient record (EPR) that will connect the county’s acute and mental health trusts. EPUT is also seeking an AI partner to strengthen assurance and regulatory processes. A leadership programme has been launched following a review that identified organisational paralysis, while the trust is maintaining a strong operational focus on reducing inappropriate care placements and shortening length of stay.

Data Points

The following data points were updated this week:

• Beds Occupied, Number of Beds for Acute,Sp,Com,MH in Q3 2025-2026
• Bed occupancy for ICS in Q3 2025-2026
• Population(Summary info under map) for ICS in 2026-2027
• Patients waiting 36 weeks+ for elective treatment (%), Suspected cancer pathway (open pathways), and Patients waiting 14 weeks+ for diagnostics and therapy (%) for Wales in Q3 2025-2026
• Faster Diagnosis Standard for Acute in Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec