Matt Jones
@mattpjones.bsky.social
Media and Public Affairs Officer at the Nuffield Trust. Views my own
Reposted by Matt Jones
There's a new workforce plan on the way for the NHS in England. But what's needed to make it a success?
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
Plan B: What the forthcoming NHS workforce strategy should not ignore
As the government prepares to publish a new 10-year NHS workforce plan, questions remain about how to build a realistic and sustainable approach to staffing the health service. This long read by Lucin...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 4:41 PM
There's a new workforce plan on the way for the NHS in England. But what's needed to make it a success?
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
That's what my latest blog considers 👇
The NHS has a history of setting plans that are rightly ambitious but which fail to live up to the hype - there's much to reflect on and learn from 🧵(1/6)
Reposted by Matt Jones
Our staffing tracker records that there were 379,549 full-time equivalent nurses working in the NHS in June this year, up by over 11,000 since June 2024 📈
🔍 Explore the tracker here: buff.ly/RhqlSzD
But it’s about more than just the overall numbers… (1/2)
🔍 Explore the tracker here: buff.ly/RhqlSzD
But it’s about more than just the overall numbers… (1/2)
November 3, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Our staffing tracker records that there were 379,549 full-time equivalent nurses working in the NHS in June this year, up by over 11,000 since June 2024 📈
🔍 Explore the tracker here: buff.ly/RhqlSzD
But it’s about more than just the overall numbers… (1/2)
🔍 Explore the tracker here: buff.ly/RhqlSzD
But it’s about more than just the overall numbers… (1/2)
Be sure to get ahead of the crowd by signing up for our morning of discussion about some of the most pressing policy issues in health + care.
inc. funding, the neighbourhood vision and (of course) AI.
Our last half-day event at the same venue earlier this year was a great success - expect similar!
inc. funding, the neighbourhood vision and (of course) AI.
Our last half-day event at the same venue earlier this year was a great success - expect similar!
EVENT: In December, Nuffield Trust and health and social care sector experts will gather for a half-day event in Westminster to explore how the NHS can deliver on its many priorities ↗️
The event is open to all and free to attend, with lunch provided.
Sign up here: buff.ly/XRPe0aY
The event is open to all and free to attend, with lunch provided.
Sign up here: buff.ly/XRPe0aY
October 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Be sure to get ahead of the crowd by signing up for our morning of discussion about some of the most pressing policy issues in health + care.
inc. funding, the neighbourhood vision and (of course) AI.
Our last half-day event at the same venue earlier this year was a great success - expect similar!
inc. funding, the neighbourhood vision and (of course) AI.
Our last half-day event at the same venue earlier this year was a great success - expect similar!
Reposted by Matt Jones
NEW ANALYSIS: Children are facing unacceptably long waits for NHS community services, with almost 1 in 4 on the list waiting for over a year, compared to 1 in 100 adults.
Read the briefing: buff.ly/cvTzV5t
#QualityWatch analysis with @healthfoundation.bsky.social
Read the briefing: buff.ly/cvTzV5t
#QualityWatch analysis with @healthfoundation.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 8:38 AM
NEW ANALYSIS: Children are facing unacceptably long waits for NHS community services, with almost 1 in 4 on the list waiting for over a year, compared to 1 in 100 adults.
Read the briefing: buff.ly/cvTzV5t
#QualityWatch analysis with @healthfoundation.bsky.social
Read the briefing: buff.ly/cvTzV5t
#QualityWatch analysis with @healthfoundation.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Jones
We have urged the government to stand firm against pressure to increase drug prices, as an increase would mean less of the #NHS budget could be spent on other NHS services with wider health benefits, such as GP appointments and surgeries.
Read more in @the-independent.com 👇
buff.ly/gA2PePU
Read more in @the-independent.com 👇
buff.ly/gA2PePU
Trump pressure to hike UK drug prices could cost NHS billions, experts warn
Experts warn a new deal will only trigger further increased price demands and make healthcare in the UK more expensive
www.independent.co.uk
October 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
We have urged the government to stand firm against pressure to increase drug prices, as an increase would mean less of the #NHS budget could be spent on other NHS services with wider health benefits, such as GP appointments and surgeries.
Read more in @the-independent.com 👇
buff.ly/gA2PePU
Read more in @the-independent.com 👇
buff.ly/gA2PePU
We'll be at Labour Party Conference next week, digging into the tricky questions and trade-offs at the heart of health policy.
Do join us if you can!
Do join us if you can!
How Can Labour Meet Voters' Clashing Demands On The NHS?
At our #Lab25 fringe with @thekingsfund.bsky.social, we'll explore insights from the British Social Attitudes Survey, the gold-standard for public opinion.
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September - 12-2pm - RIBA North
Register 👉 buff.ly/VROxxNj
At our #Lab25 fringe with @thekingsfund.bsky.social, we'll explore insights from the British Social Attitudes Survey, the gold-standard for public opinion.
🗓️ Tuesday 30 September - 12-2pm - RIBA North
Register 👉 buff.ly/VROxxNj
September 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM
We'll be at Labour Party Conference next week, digging into the tricky questions and trade-offs at the heart of health policy.
Do join us if you can!
Do join us if you can!
Reposted by Matt Jones
England has tried and failed to move care out of hospital and into community settings before. What's needed to make it work this time?
We've drawn on the lessons from Ireland and Denmark's experience.
There's much to be learnt, including on funding.
Read the report 👉 buff.ly/hzWZO9W
We've drawn on the lessons from Ireland and Denmark's experience.
There's much to be learnt, including on funding.
Read the report 👉 buff.ly/hzWZO9W
September 19, 2025 at 10:23 AM
England has tried and failed to move care out of hospital and into community settings before. What's needed to make it work this time?
We've drawn on the lessons from Ireland and Denmark's experience.
There's much to be learnt, including on funding.
Read the report 👉 buff.ly/hzWZO9W
We've drawn on the lessons from Ireland and Denmark's experience.
There's much to be learnt, including on funding.
Read the report 👉 buff.ly/hzWZO9W
Reposted by Matt Jones
We’re 2 weeks out from the Lords debate on #AssistedDying, so now is the time to start thinking in more detail about how this service would actually work if it becomes legal.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
NEW REPORT: We present new evidence on who accesses #AssistedDying across 9 countries where it is legal, and lessons based on challenges other countries have had with resources, staffing, access and infrastructure for the service. 🌎
buff.ly/KCaVwEG
buff.ly/KCaVwEG
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…
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
August 29, 2025 at 9:06 AM
We’re 2 weeks out from the Lords debate on #AssistedDying, so now is the time to start thinking in more detail about how this service would actually work if it becomes legal.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Great to have Nuffield Trust researchers out on the airwaves sharing insights from other countries today.
Reposted by Matt Jones
🆕 In a new piece for @bmj.com, our experts say the government’s latest plans to reduce #immigration, without considering the reasons why the #NHS and social care massively rely on overseas recruitment, are a real concern.
Read here 👉 buff.ly/9IGt2ln
Read here 👉 buff.ly/9IGt2ln
August 6, 2025 at 10:26 AM
🆕 In a new piece for @bmj.com, our experts say the government’s latest plans to reduce #immigration, without considering the reasons why the #NHS and social care massively rely on overseas recruitment, are a real concern.
Read here 👉 buff.ly/9IGt2ln
Read here 👉 buff.ly/9IGt2ln
Reposted by Matt Jones
The latest NHS performance statistics are out. What are the headline figures?
The overall waiting list for hospital treatment now stands at 7.36 million - that's the lowest since 2023, but its still over 2 million above pre-pandemic levels.
The overall waiting list for hospital treatment now stands at 7.36 million - that's the lowest since 2023, but its still over 2 million above pre-pandemic levels.
July 10, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The latest NHS performance statistics are out. What are the headline figures?
The overall waiting list for hospital treatment now stands at 7.36 million - that's the lowest since 2023, but its still over 2 million above pre-pandemic levels.
The overall waiting list for hospital treatment now stands at 7.36 million - that's the lowest since 2023, but its still over 2 million above pre-pandemic levels.
Reposted by Matt Jones
🗞️ In reporting of the Ten Year Health Plan, @theguardian.com carries @theasrstein.bsky.social's response to claims #NHS is facing 'extinction'.
While the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey does find satisfaction with the NHS is low, public support for its founding principles remains high and resilient.
While the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey does find satisfaction with the NHS is low, public support for its founding principles remains high and resilient.
Starmer outlines 10-year plan to change NHS ‘from sickness service to health service’
PM says work in England will focus on prevention, with early diagnosis, community hubs and lifestyle measures
www.theguardian.com
July 4, 2025 at 12:14 PM
🗞️ In reporting of the Ten Year Health Plan, @theguardian.com carries @theasrstein.bsky.social's response to claims #NHS is facing 'extinction'.
While the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey does find satisfaction with the NHS is low, public support for its founding principles remains high and resilient.
While the #BritishSocialAttitudes survey does find satisfaction with the NHS is low, public support for its founding principles remains high and resilient.
Reposted by Matt Jones
It's been a landmark day for the NHS. But what does it all mean?
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
July 3, 2025 at 4:29 PM
It's been a landmark day for the NHS. But what does it all mean?
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
We asked @becksfisher.bsky.social, Director of Research and Policy
Reposted by Matt Jones
As the #CovidInquiry module on social care begins today, we publish our our learning from France, Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands on what features can support a resilient care system for those who draw on it and those who work in it - in times of crisis and beyond ⬇️
🆕 As the #CovidInquiry turns its focus to #socialcare, and with the sector in desperate need of reform, Nuffield Trust & @cpeclse.bsky.social have published international case studies on how other countries managed the social care challenges of the pandemic.
Building resilience in adult social care: Learning the lessons from other countries’ experiences of Covid-19
As the ongoing Covid Inquiry turns its focus to the social care sector, and with social care in desperate need of long-promised reform, Nuffield Trust and LSE's Care Policy and Evaluation Centre are…
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
June 30, 2025 at 12:55 PM
As the #CovidInquiry module on social care begins today, we publish our our learning from France, Japan, Denmark and the Netherlands on what features can support a resilient care system for those who draw on it and those who work in it - in times of crisis and beyond ⬇️
Reposted by Matt Jones
Fourth time lucky?!
Why am I hopeful that this time, a promise of review might lead to actual change?
🧵👇
Why am I hopeful that this time, a promise of review might lead to actual change?
🧵👇
🆕 It’s good news that the government has promised to review the unfair GP funding formula. Read @becksfisher.bsky.social’s thoughts about this in @theguardian.com.
Our full statement on the announcement is here: www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/gp...
Our full statement on the announcement is here: www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/gp...
Poorest parts of England to get £2.2bn more for NHS to cut care inequalities
Deprived and coastal areas to get extra cash this year for staff and resources in effort to improve health outcomes
www.theguardian.com
June 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Fourth time lucky?!
Why am I hopeful that this time, a promise of review might lead to actual change?
🧵👇
Why am I hopeful that this time, a promise of review might lead to actual change?
🧵👇
Reposted by Matt Jones
Today's vote means assisted dying is likely for England & Wales. It is time to answer the hard questions about how to address concerns through its implementation - and face the gaps in end of life care MPs highlighted
Reaction of @sarahscobie.bsky.social 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/no...
Reaction of @sarahscobie.bsky.social 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/no...
Now assisted dying is likely to become reality, the debate on how it happens begins: Nuffield Trust responds to the passing of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill
Now that assisted dying is likely to become a reality in England and Wales, the debate on how that happens must begin: what organisations and staff will deliver it, what systems will be needed to ensu...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
June 20, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Today's vote means assisted dying is likely for England & Wales. It is time to answer the hard questions about how to address concerns through its implementation - and face the gaps in end of life care MPs highlighted
Reaction of @sarahscobie.bsky.social 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/no...
Reaction of @sarahscobie.bsky.social 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/no...
A potentially very significant day ahead for health and care - follow the Nuffield Trust for impartial analysis of what it all means
The #AssistedDying Bill is expected to receive a final vote from MPs today.
If it's passed, we'll provide context on what it all means for the health and care system in England and Wales.
In the meantime, read our analysis for an overview of how it’s been approached internationally.
If it's passed, we'll provide context on what it all means for the health and care system in England and Wales.
In the meantime, read our analysis for an overview of how it’s been approached internationally.
Diverging paths: How other countries have designed and implemented assisted dying
As the assisted dying Bill returns to the House of Commons next week, this in-depth analysis offers evidence from a wide range of contexts to further inform the debate. What can the UK learn from othe...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
June 20, 2025 at 7:31 AM
A potentially very significant day ahead for health and care - follow the Nuffield Trust for impartial analysis of what it all means
Reposted by Matt Jones
The #NHS settlement from the #spendingreview may look generous, but it soon melts away in the context of existing commitments - govt must be clear about the compromises.
Social care is also unlikely to see the transformation we were promised.
@sallygainsbury.bsky.social response 👇
Social care is also unlikely to see the transformation we were promised.
@sallygainsbury.bsky.social response 👇
Nuffield Trust response to the Spending Review
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
June 11, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The #NHS settlement from the #spendingreview may look generous, but it soon melts away in the context of existing commitments - govt must be clear about the compromises.
Social care is also unlikely to see the transformation we were promised.
@sallygainsbury.bsky.social response 👇
Social care is also unlikely to see the transformation we were promised.
@sallygainsbury.bsky.social response 👇
Reposted by Matt Jones
Ahead of the SR next week, my long read today looks at where the £22.6bn extra cash chancellor Reeves added to health spending in England for this year has gone. A thread >>
June 5, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Ahead of the SR next week, my long read today looks at where the £22.6bn extra cash chancellor Reeves added to health spending in England for this year has gone. A thread >>
Reposted by Matt Jones
🚨 NEW ANALYSIS finds the #NHS in a challenging financial position ahead of next week's Spending Review, with the £22.6bn in extra money up to the end of this year more than wiped out by existing spending pressures.
Read the briefing: buff.ly/Op94JUB
Read the briefing: buff.ly/Op94JUB
June 5, 2025 at 1:03 PM
🚨 NEW ANALYSIS finds the #NHS in a challenging financial position ahead of next week's Spending Review, with the £22.6bn in extra money up to the end of this year more than wiped out by existing spending pressures.
Read the briefing: buff.ly/Op94JUB
Read the briefing: buff.ly/Op94JUB
Reposted by Matt Jones
TODAY: Policy Analyst @markgdayan.bsky.social will be on You & Yours to provide the evidence on the current state of health care access 🚑
How challenging is it to access NHS care, and how might things change? 📈
Tune in from 12pm on BBC Radio 4.
buff.ly/nTpY8cU
How challenging is it to access NHS care, and how might things change? 📈
Tune in from 12pm on BBC Radio 4.
buff.ly/nTpY8cU
Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds
Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds
www.bbc.co.uk
June 3, 2025 at 8:35 AM
TODAY: Policy Analyst @markgdayan.bsky.social will be on You & Yours to provide the evidence on the current state of health care access 🚑
How challenging is it to access NHS care, and how might things change? 📈
Tune in from 12pm on BBC Radio 4.
buff.ly/nTpY8cU
How challenging is it to access NHS care, and how might things change? 📈
Tune in from 12pm on BBC Radio 4.
buff.ly/nTpY8cU
Reposted by Matt Jones
Is 2m extra appointments enough? @sarahscobie.bsky.social says this "won't come close to bringing the treatment waiting list back to pre-pandemic levels, or to meeting longer-term NHS targets".
Tune in to Sky News at 1045 to hear @becksfisher.bsky.social discuss the waiting list.
Tune in to Sky News at 1045 to hear @becksfisher.bsky.social discuss the waiting list.
Labour say there's been a 'massive increase' in NHS appointments - this begs to differ
Keir Starmer made slashing NHS waiting times one of his priorities, and his Labour government has already claimed it as one of its biggest achievements so far. But new data tells a different story -…
buff.ly
May 23, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Is 2m extra appointments enough? @sarahscobie.bsky.social says this "won't come close to bringing the treatment waiting list back to pre-pandemic levels, or to meeting longer-term NHS targets".
Tune in to Sky News at 1045 to hear @becksfisher.bsky.social discuss the waiting list.
Tune in to Sky News at 1045 to hear @becksfisher.bsky.social discuss the waiting list.
Reposted by Matt Jones
Pleased to be at the @nuffieldtrust.bsky.social and @healthfoundation.bsky.social’s annual conference for analysts and evaluators in the NHS, looking at how digital innovations can be used to transform health services and our understanding of them
May 14, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Pleased to be at the @nuffieldtrust.bsky.social and @healthfoundation.bsky.social’s annual conference for analysts and evaluators in the NHS, looking at how digital innovations can be used to transform health services and our understanding of them
Reposted by Matt Jones
1/ New analysis with @nuffieldtrust.bsky.social colleagues today on Assisted Dying, and what we can learn from other countries as the UK considers legalisation.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/di...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/di...
Diverging paths: How other countries have designed and implemented assisted dying
As the assisted dying Bill returns to the House of Commons next week, this in-depth analysis offers evidence from a wide range of contexts to further inform the debate. What can the UK learn from othe...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
May 9, 2025 at 9:51 AM
1/ New analysis with @nuffieldtrust.bsky.social colleagues today on Assisted Dying, and what we can learn from other countries as the UK considers legalisation.
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/di...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/di...
Reposted by Matt Jones
My quote in The Independent 👇 government measures introduced in the last ~18 months have drastically reduced numbers of overseas care staff and their dependents arriving in the UK; however the full impacts of this on the health and care sector has not been assessed
The number of applications for Health and Care Worker visas has reached a record low since rules were changed in January 2024, with further changes made this March.
@ninahemmings.bsky.social told @the-independent.com that there has yet to be a proper assessment of the impacts.
buff.ly/NwC6EIw
@ninahemmings.bsky.social told @the-independent.com that there has yet to be a proper assessment of the impacts.
buff.ly/NwC6EIw
Care homes under threat as family visa crackdown blocks 100,000 workers
Exclusive: Government policy on migration which prevents care workers bringing children and spouses to the UK is stopping the flow of staff needed to care for NHS patients
www.independent.co.uk
May 6, 2025 at 1:06 PM
My quote in The Independent 👇 government measures introduced in the last ~18 months have drastically reduced numbers of overseas care staff and their dependents arriving in the UK; however the full impacts of this on the health and care sector has not been assessed
Reposted by Matt Jones
Great indicator by NT's Malina showing, for example, big, and poorly understood, disparities in % of men and women aged 65+ with a dementia diagnosis. Report by @camille-oung.bsky.social, Natasha and I looks at how social care must improve to support growing + diverse population living with dementia
Almost 1 million people in the UK were estimated to be living with dementia in 2024, but just under 500k have a formal diagnosis. At 62%, women over 65 account for the majority of diagnoses.
Figures on dementia diagnoses and care are tracked as part of our #QualityWatch programme: buff.ly/aemz7Yd
Figures on dementia diagnoses and care are tracked as part of our #QualityWatch programme: buff.ly/aemz7Yd
April 29, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Great indicator by NT's Malina showing, for example, big, and poorly understood, disparities in % of men and women aged 65+ with a dementia diagnosis. Report by @camille-oung.bsky.social, Natasha and I looks at how social care must improve to support growing + diverse population living with dementia