Transformation plans are overambitious and will not work, say service leaders

NHS service leaders have warned that many of the much talked about sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) that have been prepared by 44 areas across England to improve care for their local populations are overambitious and will not work.

Witnesses at an evidence session of the parliamentary health committee on 11 October raised several concerns about how the STP process had been unfairly dominated by financial saving expectations. The inquiry into the current state of NHS finances was prompted by a report from the National Audit Office published in July.1

STPs are five year plans drawn up by clinical commissioning groups, NHS trusts, and local authorities in 44 areas identified as a geographical “footprints” covering all areas of NHS spending in England. Areas have to submit their final plans to NHS England this month.

Chris Hopson, chief executive of …