NHS action on social and economic development in England: Vague national policy expectations

Abstract

Under recent reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) in England, NHS organizations have been given new objectives to contribute to social and economic development. Health systems in other high-income countries are pursuing related approaches. This paper analyses national policy documents to understand the framing of the NHS's new policy priorities on social and economic development. We focus on the role of NHS integrated care systems—area-based planning bodies responsible for managing NHS resources and coordinating local services. National policy is vague about what social and economic development means in practice. There is limited guidance on which approaches local organizations should prioritize, and which organisations are responsible for implementation. Greater clarity from national policymakers and an overarching framework to guide local action is needed to reduce the risk of inaction, poorly targeted interventions, and missed opportunities for learning and evaluation. Policymakers and health system leaders also need to be realistic about the limits of local action given the importance of national public policy choices in shaping the social determinants of health. Coordinated policy action and investment across government is needed to address underlying social and economic conditions.