Like so many sectors, health has undergone radical transformations in recent years. Much has been achieved in patient care: waiting times are at a record low; clinical outcomes for major diseases have improved; and many hospitals have been modernised. But there are still challenges to be faced, such as:

• Coping with changes in population health, including aging populations with increased numbers of chronic conditions
• Understanding the disjointed nature of patient journeys, and the patient's own role in their healthcare
• Managing the increasing cost of care through operational efficiency, cost management and financial incentives
• Meeting the challenges of delivering cost-effective, quality services to patients in a challenging fiscal environment

We are currently working on supporting the DH deliver the Transforming Adult Social Care Agenda. We have undertaken the procurement for the Centre for Workforce Intelligence, which will work with the NHS and other areas of the workforce planning and development system to support the need to provide a balance between workforce supply and demand. We have provided clarity to the NHS's workforce planning and development system and mapped the national system for interpretation at a regional and local level.

How we can help

WCL has a dedicated Health Team which works closely with customers to identify needs and deliver practical and pragmatic solutions. Our breadth of programme, change and performance management skills means that we are uniquely positioned to meet the needs of the healthcare sector through:

• Helping officials ensure that commercial activity meets government standards and delivers value for money
• Communication, training and support to help staff adapt to new ways of working
• Programme management expertise to ensure the right links are made to policy and implementation requirements, the wider departmental issues and cross government context