It has been another year of strong collaboration across our NHS Foundation Trusts (FTs). We have built even closer links and strengthened the way we work. This is helping us to deliver better care for patients.
The context in which we work is ever more challenging. The NHS ‘reset’ at the start of the year asked us to improve how quickly people can access care. This has driven much of our work, as we also innovate and improve what we do.
The NHS reset also made clear that we need to make the best possible use of our resources. The need to reduce costs has impacted all parts of the system. All FTs have played their part through internal cost improvement work and in how we work together. This includes the running costs for the Provider Collaborative. We reduced this by 30% this year.
All our Trusts worked hard to make the best use of NHS money. We looked for ways to save money and work more efficiently. This helped us protect patient care during a difficult year.
We also worked closely with our partners. By working together, we helped keep services stable and focused on our shared goals.
We are clear that the work we do together has real value. It is key to driving up how productive we are for the long-term. It is key to driving up the quality of patient care. It is also key to make sure everyone has fair and equal access to care.
All FTs remain committed to this shared purpose.
The impact of our work on patients and the care they receive is clear. Our collective effort is on the things that matter most to local people. Our approach is simple, joined up and responsive to the needs of our FTs as they evolve.
You can read about this in the pages of this report.
A key step this year has been our Strategic Approach to Clinical Services (SACS) work. This sets out a clear long-term plan for hospital care and how we deliver the ambitions of the NHS 10-year plan.
Our waiting times for planned care are still the best in the country. More patients are getting tests and treatment sooner, and closer to home. We are also making strong progress on key projects that will support the future of our services.
This includes making sure we have the right foundations in place. We are working hard to plan our workforce together and join up our digital systems. We are also looking at how we can make the best use of our buildings and NHS estate.
Our work would not be possible without our staff. Their hard work, teamwork and commitment to patient care makes a real difference every day. They are at the heart of everything we do.
Read the NENC Provider Collaborative Annual Report 2025/26 here.
