What's Happening?
Develop Consulting, a business transformation consultancy, has been shortlisted for the Best Consultancy Partnership with the NHS at the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards. This recognition follows the firm's significant contributions to improving general practices across England. Through its partnership with NHS England, Develop Consulting has implemented the 'Transforming General Practice: Time, Access and Care' program, which has supported over 1,000 practices. The initiative has involved more than 15,000 improvement sessions across 40+ Integrated Care Boards over five years. The program has achieved a 5.1% reduction in avoidable appointments and has released over nine hours of clinical time per practice per week. Additionally, it has facilitated
a 61% increase in the usage of online consultation systems. The consultancy applies Toyota Lean methodologies to enhance patient access, care quality, and operational efficiency.
Why It's Important?
The shortlisting of Develop Consulting for the HSJ Partnership Awards underscores the critical role of effective consultancy partnerships in transforming healthcare delivery. By embedding lean principles, the consultancy has enabled general practices to optimize their operations, thereby improving patient access and care quality. This initiative not only enhances the efficiency of healthcare services but also supports the NHS in managing resources more effectively. The improvements in clinical time and online consultation usage reflect a shift towards more sustainable healthcare practices, which is crucial in addressing the increasing demand for healthcare services. The recognition also highlights the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare, particularly during challenging periods for general practice.
What's Next?
The winners of the HSJ Partnership Awards will be announced at a ceremony on March 19, 2026, at Evolution London. If Develop Consulting wins, it could further solidify its reputation as a leader in healthcare consultancy, potentially leading to more partnerships and projects. The recognition may also encourage other consultancies to adopt similar lean methodologies, fostering a broader transformation in healthcare practices. For the NHS, continued collaboration with consultancies like Develop Consulting could lead to further advancements in healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting patients and healthcare providers alike.
