NHS productivity growth strengthens recovery, data reveals
New data has found that the NHS has exceeded its productivity target, achieving a 2.4 per cent rise between April and July 2025 compared to the same period last year, outperforming the long-term average and building on a 2.7 per cent increase from the previous year.
Gains stem from shorter hospital stays, same-day discharges, better technology use, lower agency spending, and extended service hours.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said these reforms show the NHS is becoming more efficient and sustainable while maintaining universal, free healthcare.
In addition, a new productivity index will track local performance to ensure ongoing improvements benefit patients directly.
MHRA to overhaul rare diseases rule book
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has committed to overhauling the rule book for rare disease therapies.
In a paper published over the weekend, the regulator highlighted the small proportion of rare diseases with approved treatments and long diagnostic pathways.
The new rulebook is set to be published next year and aims to speed up the path for rare therapies, from discovery to delivery.
MHRA executive director of healthcare quality and access, Julian Beach, said he hoped the ‘paper reassures all those affected by rare disease that we are listening and are prepared to take bold action to speed the path from discovery to delivery, while maintaining strict standards of safety.’
Trusts ‘need help to cut through AI noise’
NHS Providers and IBM have set up an AI productivity centre to help trusts save money when adopting new technology.
The membership group for NHS trusts, which formally agreed to merge with NHS Confederation last week, is working with the global IT firm to accelerate uptake of AI across providers and build understanding among senior leaders.
The masterclasses for members will also cover shared learning on adoption, data privacy and security, and the responsible use of AI.
NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles said: “Trusts need help to cut through all the noise surrounding AI. From questions about what makes the biggest impact on improving productivity and risk management, to safe and effective adoption that tangibly improves quality of care and staff experience, that’s where we can step in and support our members.
“We need to get much better in the NHS at targeting its use at processes and tasks that enable us to unlock productivity that’s either cash releasing or enables more patients to be treated with the same resource.”