Nuffield Trust
@nuffieldtrust.org.uk
We are an independent health think tank aiming to improve the quality of health care in the UK by providing evidence-based research & policy analysis.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
Why are a persistent proportion of NHS hospital beds being occupied by patients who have already completed their treatment?
Our researcher Emma Dodsworth told the BBC that factors include the complexity of individual cases, the lack of NHS and social care integration, and the ageing UK population.
Our researcher Emma Dodsworth told the BBC that factors include the complexity of individual cases, the lack of NHS and social care integration, and the ageing UK population.
Why the NHS still wastes billions on patients who shouldn't be in hospital
The delayed discharge challenge throws up deeper questions about the care system and co-ordination.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Why are a persistent proportion of NHS hospital beds being occupied by patients who have already completed their treatment?
Our researcher Emma Dodsworth told the BBC that factors include the complexity of individual cases, the lack of NHS and social care integration, and the ageing UK population.
Our researcher Emma Dodsworth told the BBC that factors include the complexity of individual cases, the lack of NHS and social care integration, and the ageing UK population.
How does patient experience compare across different #NHS services?
In the latest surveys, #cancer patients responded most favourably of all the patient groups, while respondents to the Community Mental Health Survey rated their overall experience the lowest.
Find out more: buff.ly/QoEDiCE
In the latest surveys, #cancer patients responded most favourably of all the patient groups, while respondents to the Community Mental Health Survey rated their overall experience the lowest.
Find out more: buff.ly/QoEDiCE
January 11, 2026 at 12:15 PM
How does patient experience compare across different #NHS services?
In the latest surveys, #cancer patients responded most favourably of all the patient groups, while respondents to the Community Mental Health Survey rated their overall experience the lowest.
Find out more: buff.ly/QoEDiCE
In the latest surveys, #cancer patients responded most favourably of all the patient groups, while respondents to the Community Mental Health Survey rated their overall experience the lowest.
Find out more: buff.ly/QoEDiCE
There has been an increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders in recent years, and the NHS in England recently announced a review to improve understanding. 📝
In our analysis, @sarahscobie.bsky.social explores the trend in people experiencing severe symptoms over time.
👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
In our analysis, @sarahscobie.bsky.social explores the trend in people experiencing severe symptoms over time.
👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
January 10, 2026 at 12:30 PM
There has been an increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders in recent years, and the NHS in England recently announced a review to improve understanding. 📝
In our analysis, @sarahscobie.bsky.social explores the trend in people experiencing severe symptoms over time.
👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
In our analysis, @sarahscobie.bsky.social explores the trend in people experiencing severe symptoms over time.
👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
🚨 Scotland's resident doctors have called off next week's strikes over pay.
Our explainer includes analysis of how doctors' pay compares across the four UK countries at different points in their careers and the various factors affecting this. Explore more here: buff.ly/1B29O4J
Our explainer includes analysis of how doctors' pay compares across the four UK countries at different points in their careers and the various factors affecting this. Explore more here: buff.ly/1B29O4J
January 9, 2026 at 2:30 PM
🚨 Scotland's resident doctors have called off next week's strikes over pay.
Our explainer includes analysis of how doctors' pay compares across the four UK countries at different points in their careers and the various factors affecting this. Explore more here: buff.ly/1B29O4J
Our explainer includes analysis of how doctors' pay compares across the four UK countries at different points in their careers and the various factors affecting this. Explore more here: buff.ly/1B29O4J
Our first newsletter of 2026 is out - did it land in your inbox? 📬
We publish our newsletter around 12:30pm every Friday, with highlights from our statements, blogs, charts, briefings and interviews that week.
Subscribe and read past issues
👉 buff.ly/sdPjVpB
We publish our newsletter around 12:30pm every Friday, with highlights from our statements, blogs, charts, briefings and interviews that week.
Subscribe and read past issues
👉 buff.ly/sdPjVpB
January 9, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Our first newsletter of 2026 is out - did it land in your inbox? 📬
We publish our newsletter around 12:30pm every Friday, with highlights from our statements, blogs, charts, briefings and interviews that week.
Subscribe and read past issues
👉 buff.ly/sdPjVpB
We publish our newsletter around 12:30pm every Friday, with highlights from our statements, blogs, charts, briefings and interviews that week.
Subscribe and read past issues
👉 buff.ly/sdPjVpB
CQC ratings for #SocialCare services have been getting worse in recent years. In 2019, around 15% were rated as 'requires improvement' compared with around 26% in 2025.
Find out more about the quality of adult social services in England here: buff.ly/WJKtjqV
#QualityWatch
Find out more about the quality of adult social services in England here: buff.ly/WJKtjqV
#QualityWatch
January 9, 2026 at 9:45 AM
CQC ratings for #SocialCare services have been getting worse in recent years. In 2019, around 15% were rated as 'requires improvement' compared with around 26% in 2025.
Find out more about the quality of adult social services in England here: buff.ly/WJKtjqV
#QualityWatch
Find out more about the quality of adult social services in England here: buff.ly/WJKtjqV
#QualityWatch
This study suggests that it matters to have the right roles available to deliver hospital care.
It was covered by The Sunday Times last month 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
It was covered by The Sunday Times last month 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
Death rates rise when NHS cuts back on nursing
Using lower-paid workers to plug the gaps left by a failure to hire registered nurses damages safety, new research has shown
www.thetimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:23 AM
This study suggests that it matters to have the right roles available to deliver hospital care.
It was covered by The Sunday Times last month 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
It was covered by The Sunday Times last month 👇
www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcar...
NEW STUDY: Our Senior Fellow, Chris Sherlaw-Johnson has worked on a project which found that fewer registered nurse hours available to patients are linked to higher hospital death rates in England.
buff.ly/L7UELsp
buff.ly/L7UELsp
Fewer registered nurse hours available to patients linked to higher hospital death rates in England
Hospitals with fewer registered nurses at the bedside are seeing higher-than-expected death rates, according to a new London South Bank University study.
www.lsbu.ac.uk
January 8, 2026 at 9:21 AM
NEW STUDY: Our Senior Fellow, Chris Sherlaw-Johnson has worked on a project which found that fewer registered nurse hours available to patients are linked to higher hospital death rates in England.
buff.ly/L7UELsp
buff.ly/L7UELsp
The Employment Rights Act will bring big changes for the social care workforce; one of the most significant being the implementation of a Fair Pay Agreement to reform pay and working conditions.
Here, our social care researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what the FPA could mean for the sector.
Here, our social care researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what the FPA could mean for the sector.
Good intentions aren’t enough: implementing a Fair Pay Agreement that works for social care
With the Employment Rights Act receiving royal assent yesterday, the Fair Pay Agreement for social care proposed within it moves a step closer to becoming reality, potentially offering an opportunity ...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 12:59 PM
The Employment Rights Act will bring big changes for the social care workforce; one of the most significant being the implementation of a Fair Pay Agreement to reform pay and working conditions.
Here, our social care researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what the FPA could mean for the sector.
Here, our social care researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what the FPA could mean for the sector.
"NHS IT infrastructure could also pose a problem, as it will need to enable relevant information – like scan results – to be seen across different NHS organisations, something that is infamously difficult at the moment." - @becksfisher.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
New NHS online hospital to focus on nine health conditions
NHS Online due to launch in England next year will provide eye, prostate and menopause care.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 11:22 AM
"NHS IT infrastructure could also pose a problem, as it will need to enable relevant information – like scan results – to be seen across different NHS organisations, something that is infamously difficult at the moment." - @becksfisher.bsky.social
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Responding to the plans announced for the #NHS online hospital, our Director of Research and Policy, Dr Becks Fisher said the focus on menopause and menstrual health makes sense, but questions remain about staffing and funding.
buff.ly/xfn6KKI
buff.ly/xfn6KKI
Nuffield Trust response to plans set out for NHS online hospital
Skip to main content
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:58 AM
Responding to the plans announced for the #NHS online hospital, our Director of Research and Policy, Dr Becks Fisher said the focus on menopause and menstrual health makes sense, but questions remain about staffing and funding.
buff.ly/xfn6KKI
buff.ly/xfn6KKI
In the latest #NHS staff survey, nurses and midwives were the mostly likely to say they would feel secure raising concerns about unsafe clinical practice, whereas medical and dental trainees were the least likely.
Find out more about safety culture in the NHS 👉 buff.ly/Z6b31ug
#QualityWatch
Find out more about safety culture in the NHS 👉 buff.ly/Z6b31ug
#QualityWatch
January 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM
In the latest #NHS staff survey, nurses and midwives were the mostly likely to say they would feel secure raising concerns about unsafe clinical practice, whereas medical and dental trainees were the least likely.
Find out more about safety culture in the NHS 👉 buff.ly/Z6b31ug
#QualityWatch
Find out more about safety culture in the NHS 👉 buff.ly/Z6b31ug
#QualityWatch
Our analysis of NHSE data shows an increase in the share of people with severe symptoms of a common mental health condition, across all age groups over the past 30 years. 📈
16-24s and 25-34s show notably higher rates in the latest year of the survey.
Read the analysis 👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
16-24s and 25-34s show notably higher rates in the latest year of the survey.
Read the analysis 👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
January 5, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Our analysis of NHSE data shows an increase in the share of people with severe symptoms of a common mental health condition, across all age groups over the past 30 years. 📈
16-24s and 25-34s show notably higher rates in the latest year of the survey.
Read the analysis 👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
16-24s and 25-34s show notably higher rates in the latest year of the survey.
Read the analysis 👉 buff.ly/yZ1JUVI
Our final research report of 2025 explored how GPs are using #AI.
We found that over 1 in 4 GPs use AI at work but national policy is failing to keep up with the pace of change. Find out more 👇
We found that over 1 in 4 GPs use AI at work but national policy is failing to keep up with the pace of change. Find out more 👇
How are GPs using AI? Insights from the front line
While a number of governments have sought to improve access to general practice, or the working lives of GPs, via a mix of technological, administrative and staffing interventions, the idea that…
buff.ly
January 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Our final research report of 2025 explored how GPs are using #AI.
We found that over 1 in 4 GPs use AI at work but national policy is failing to keep up with the pace of change. Find out more 👇
We found that over 1 in 4 GPs use AI at work but national policy is failing to keep up with the pace of change. Find out more 👇
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: Our research showed how demand for #DistrictNursing is rising, but an estimated one in four district nurses are leaving the profession and there has been a 43% decline in overall numbers since 2009.
District nursing: Understanding the decline and mapping the future
District nurses, who provide care to people in homes all over the country and operate all hours of the day, are fundamental to the government’s plans to shift more care from hospital to the…
buff.ly
January 4, 2026 at 12:49 PM
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: Our research showed how demand for #DistrictNursing is rising, but an estimated one in four district nurses are leaving the profession and there has been a 43% decline in overall numbers since 2009.
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: A key moment for health policy was the launch of the #NHS 10 Year Plan in July. Our Director of Research and Policy @becksfisher.bsky.social said the plan's undoing could be whether there’s enough funding to meet the scale of its ambitions.
Will the scale of ambition scupper delivery of the 10 Year Plan?
With the NHS 10 Year Plan now published, Becks Fisher says the plan is rightly ambitious and contains much to like. But plans should be judged on their delivery, and this one’s undoing could be…
buff.ly
January 1, 2026 at 3:45 PM
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: A key moment for health policy was the launch of the #NHS 10 Year Plan in July. Our Director of Research and Policy @becksfisher.bsky.social said the plan's undoing could be whether there’s enough funding to meet the scale of its ambitions.
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: Back in June our #QualityWatch programme explored how the burden of disease affects working-age women and men differently and policy implications for a government focused on tackling rising inactivity due to ill health. #HealthInequalities
Silence, sexism and stigma: The state of working-age women’s health in England
Women spend more years of their life living in poor health than men, including through their working years. This QualityWatch data story shows how the burden of disease affects working-age women and…
buff.ly
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 AM
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: Back in June our #QualityWatch programme explored how the burden of disease affects working-age women and men differently and policy implications for a government focused on tackling rising inactivity due to ill health. #HealthInequalities
We are so proud of our fantastic Deputy Director of Policy Natasha Curry who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours for services to social care policy.
Congratulations Natasha! www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/na...
Congratulations Natasha! www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/na...
Natasha Curry awarded MBE
We are delighted that Natasha Curry has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
December 30, 2025 at 9:04 AM
We are so proud of our fantastic Deputy Director of Policy Natasha Curry who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours for services to social care policy.
Congratulations Natasha! www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/na...
Congratulations Natasha! www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/na...
Every year, we take stock of public satisfaction with the #NHS through our analysis of the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey. ✅
This year's report found the lowest level of NHS satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1983, with just 21% satisfied.
This year's report found the lowest level of NHS satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1983, with just 21% satisfied.
Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2024: Results from the British Social Attitudes survey
The Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund join forces each year to analyse and present findings from the gold-standard survey of public attitudes and opinions towards the NHS and social care, as…
buff.ly
December 29, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Every year, we take stock of public satisfaction with the #NHS through our analysis of the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey. ✅
This year's report found the lowest level of NHS satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1983, with just 21% satisfied.
This year's report found the lowest level of NHS satisfaction recorded since the survey began in 1983, with just 21% satisfied.
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: With the #AssistedDying Bill progressing through Parliament this year, over the summer we took the most detailed look to date at what the UK can learn from other countries which have legalised assisted dying.
Assisted dying in practice: International experiences and implications for health and social care
Exploring 15 jurisdictions across the world, this is the most detailed look to date at what the UK can learn from other countries as the UK and Scottish Parliaments debate bills to legalise assisted…
buff.ly
December 28, 2025 at 12:26 PM
⭐ 2025 Nuffield Trust highlights: With the #AssistedDying Bill progressing through Parliament this year, over the summer we took the most detailed look to date at what the UK can learn from other countries which have legalised assisted dying.
As 2025 draws to a close, we'll be reflecting on some of the highlights of this year at the Nuffield Trust.
We kicked off January with new research finding that of public funds spent on health care for people in their last year of life, 81% was spent in hospital. 👇
We kicked off January with new research finding that of public funds spent on health care for people in their last year of life, 81% was spent in hospital. 👇
Public expenditure in the last year of life
Supporting people at the end of life is a crucially important element of public spending, yet there is remarkably little evidence available on how much money is being spent on it, and what that money…
buff.ly
December 26, 2025 at 2:42 PM
As 2025 draws to a close, we'll be reflecting on some of the highlights of this year at the Nuffield Trust.
We kicked off January with new research finding that of public funds spent on health care for people in their last year of life, 81% was spent in hospital. 👇
We kicked off January with new research finding that of public funds spent on health care for people in their last year of life, 81% was spent in hospital. 👇
This year's provisional local government settlement will reform grants and give more freedom to local authorities, the major funders of social care.
But what does this mean for the sector?
Our Fellow and social care policy expert @camille-oung.bsky.social explains 👇
buff.ly/qkcHaZm
But what does this mean for the sector?
Our Fellow and social care policy expert @camille-oung.bsky.social explains 👇
buff.ly/qkcHaZm
Coal or chocolate coins: What do the changes to local government funding mean for social care?
As the government makes changes to how local government works and how it is funded, Camille Oung takes a closer look at those changes and explores what it all might mean for the beleaguered social…
buff.ly
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
This year's provisional local government settlement will reform grants and give more freedom to local authorities, the major funders of social care.
But what does this mean for the sector?
Our Fellow and social care policy expert @camille-oung.bsky.social explains 👇
buff.ly/qkcHaZm
But what does this mean for the sector?
Our Fellow and social care policy expert @camille-oung.bsky.social explains 👇
buff.ly/qkcHaZm
The Fair Pay Agreement provides a huge opportunity for improvements to be made to pay and conditions for people working in social care in England.
In our briefing, researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what needs to be in place for ambitions to be realised. 👇
buff.ly/T8uNgWU
In our briefing, researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what needs to be in place for ambitions to be realised. 👇
buff.ly/T8uNgWU
Good intentions aren’t enough: implementing a Fair Pay Agreement that works for social care
With the Employment Rights Act receiving royal assent yesterday, the Fair Pay Agreement for social care proposed within it moves a step closer to becoming reality, potentially offering an opportunity…
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The Fair Pay Agreement provides a huge opportunity for improvements to be made to pay and conditions for people working in social care in England.
In our briefing, researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what needs to be in place for ambitions to be realised. 👇
buff.ly/T8uNgWU
In our briefing, researcher @cglobont.bsky.social sets out what needs to be in place for ambitions to be realised. 👇
buff.ly/T8uNgWU
⭐ Most read of 2025 ⭐
Explore some of our most popular commentary, research and analysis from this year. We've covered key health policy topics from doctors' pay to the abolition of NHSE. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/most-read-of...
Explore some of our most popular commentary, research and analysis from this year. We've covered key health policy topics from doctors' pay to the abolition of NHSE. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/most-read-of...
Most read of 2025
Skip to main content
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:57 AM
⭐ Most read of 2025 ⭐
Explore some of our most popular commentary, research and analysis from this year. We've covered key health policy topics from doctors' pay to the abolition of NHSE. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/most-read-of...
Explore some of our most popular commentary, research and analysis from this year. We've covered key health policy topics from doctors' pay to the abolition of NHSE. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/most-read-of...
The decision to scrap the two-child benefit limit formed the centrepiece of this year's Budget, and was welcomed by many.
But how could it help improve children's health? 🦷
Our guest authors describe a clear link between tooth decay, deprivation and family size.
Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/YFM2QiQ
But how could it help improve children's health? 🦷
Our guest authors describe a clear link between tooth decay, deprivation and family size.
Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/YFM2QiQ
December 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM
The decision to scrap the two-child benefit limit formed the centrepiece of this year's Budget, and was welcomed by many.
But how could it help improve children's health? 🦷
Our guest authors describe a clear link between tooth decay, deprivation and family size.
Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/YFM2QiQ
But how could it help improve children's health? 🦷
Our guest authors describe a clear link between tooth decay, deprivation and family size.
Read the blog 👉 buff.ly/YFM2QiQ