Tony Dockerill

Tough survey results from NHS Providers with Julian Hartley calling for “significant strategic investment in infrastructure and digital technologies" to help with the efficiency challenge. 51% of respondents extremely concerned about delivering operational priorities within budget. 92% felt efficiency challenge in 2024/25 more challenging than 2023/24. 32% were confident that their system will deliver its recovery targets to reduce waits in 2024/25. 46% said it is likely that their trust will meet the new target of seeing 78% of A&E attendees within four hours by March 2025. https://lnkd.in/ekm8UtCD https://lnkd.in/e9hXwFTW

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What a great couple of days it’s been at the HFMA Wales regional conference, Talking about the future of healthcare in Wales, Jeremy Miles MS highlighted several critical themes that resonated with me: - Transparency in performance data is essential for accountability and improvement. - Addressing unwarranted variation is crucial to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the system. - While fiunding is clearly a challenge, it isn't solely about resources; it's about meaningful reform. While funding pressures exist, simply adding more funds isn't enough. - Innovation must be prioritised, with successful solutions quickly adopted system-wide. - Capacity, culture, and governance often pose greater barriers to progress than money. This strongly aligns with our focus at Channel 3 Consulting on unlocking the full value of digital investments to enhance outcomes and efficiencies. Despite the challenges in the system, I’m optimistic that together we can drive meaningful and positive change in the Welsh healthcare system. #Channel3Consulting #HFMA #HFMAWales

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There is much talk about the Autumn Budget 2024. Here are my thoughts on the implications for the care sector and its suppliers. Yesterday’s budget announcement by the Chancellor has left many of us who work closely with the care sector reflecting on its mixed implications. As a supplier deeply committed to supporting the care industry, we recognise the significance of the 6.7% increase in the National Minimum Wage. Fair pay is essential for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. However, this increase places even greater financial strain on care providers who are already stretched thin. Local councils often commission home care at rates that don’t reflect the true cost of delivering quality services. Without a minimum fee rate or a multi-year funding settlement, care providers will continue to face serious sustainability challenges. Funding home care and social care seems to be low compared to that being committed to NHS...... As a supplier invested in aligning with and supporting the care sector, we also keep a close eye on the economic environment for investment and growth. Insights on changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and private equity taxation, while these changes will impact investment strategies, they are thankfully less severe than anticipated. The UK remains an attractive place for growth and investment, particularly in sectors like care, where innovation and service improvements are essential. It feels like businesses have been taking hit after hit in recent years. From the lasting uncertainty brought by Brexit to the upheaval of the pandemic, and now dealing with National Insurance rises, the cost of living crisis, and relentless price increases—it's been a relentless series of challenges. Every step forward seems to come with new hurdles, and many organisations are feeling the squeeze. In this tough landscape, resilience and adaptability have become more important than ever. Key Takeaways for me: 1) The care sector needs long-term, sustainable funding to support workforce pay and high-quality care. 2) As suppliers, we remain committed to aligning with care providers and advocating for fair commissioning practices. 3) Despite changes in the investment landscape, the UK’s position remains strong, offering continued opportunities for growth and partnership. We hope for a collaborative approach between the government, local councils, and the care sector to address these challenges and ensure the sustainability of care services. #AutumnBudget #CareSector #SocialCare #Investment #PrivateEquity #CareProviders #CareWorkforce

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Our CEO David Lynes has captured the challenges and mixed impacts of the Autumn Budget 2024 for the care sector perfectly. As someone who works closely with this industry, I couldn’t agree more with the need for both long-term, sustainable funding and collaborative action to support our care providers and the vulnerable individuals they serve. While the 6.7% increase in the National Minimum Wage is a positive move for fair pay particularly for care professionals, it amplifies the existing financial strain on care providers. Without a minimum fee rate or a multi-year funding settlement, care providers will continue to face significant sustainability risks. As suppliers, we must closely align with care providers to support them in these tough times. There is still so much opportunity for growth, innovation, and partnership within the care sector—let’s continue working towards sustainable, people-centered progress in care! #AutumnBudget2024 #SocialCare #SustainableFunding #FairPay #CareSector #UniqueIQ

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