The newsbrief is available in full here.

We know the Kark review of the fit and proper person test has been a key concern for many boards. Hempsons partner, Andrew Davidson looks at what is proposed and asks whether its recommendations resolve some of the problems.

Many of you will be thinking about some of the changes in the NHS’s structure which are beginning to have an impact. Primary care networks are groupings of practices covering populations of 30,000 to 50,000. Trusts will increasingly have to work closely with them and many boards are wondering what opportunities and challenges they will present. We have two articles exploring this – one written by Miriam Deakin, NHS Providers’ director of policy and strategy, and the second by Hempsons partner, Alison Oliver, on the legal issues.

Pensions are another big concern for boards as many will be aware of consultants rejecting extra hours or responsibilities, or even retiring early, because of the impact of tax owed on their future pensions. This is an exceptionally complex area where the government is consulting on changes but trusts are coming under pressure to find their own solutions. Andrew Davidson assesses the two main ways in which trusts can help – and finds them both problematic.

You will all have heard of big data and what its use could mean for the treatment and identification of illnesses. But the massive datasets held by the NHS could also have significant value – EY look at how this could be monetarised and our own Chris Alderson looks at
what would need to be in place before this could be progressed.

Finally, partners Crispin Pettifer and Oliver Crich look at an existing mechanism used by trusts which could help wider areas – such as integrated care systems – access capital for rebuilds and refurbishments. At a time when little capital is reaching the NHS, this could help plans to improve care which involve some element of building work or repurposing get off the ground.

You will find a list of articles below:

• Welcome
• Change afoot for the fit and proper person test
• Primary care networks: what will they mean for provider trusts?
• PCNs: challenges and opportunities – and the legal considerations
• Pensions: a headache for doctors and trusts
• Fit for future purpose? What the NHS needs to know about big data and health technology
• Realising the value of healthcare data
• A new approach to capital funding and project delivery