Elective Care and Recovery priorities for 2026/27

The NENC Provider Collaborative has agreed the Elective Care Priorities for 2026/27. These priorities form the Elective Recovery Local Delivery Plan, which sets out how the region will work together to improve planned care over the next year.

The plan brings national expectations and local goals into one place. It focuses on six key areas that aim to cut waiting times, improve productivity and give patients more consistent care across all Trusts.

Working as one system

The programme promotes a clear and joined‑up way of working. It focuses on:

• Standardising care
• Using digital tools
• Redesigning patient pathways
• Supporting stronger clinical leadership

Better governance, shared data, and clearer risk management will help the system work in a more proactive and coordinated way.

Improving theatres and surgical care

The Theatres Improvement Programme aims to make surgery more efficient and reliable. Key actions include:

• Improving how theatres are used
• Reducing cancellations
• Strengthening scheduling
• Expanding low‑risk pathways and RPRP work
• Supporting safe decision‑making and better care for frail patients

A single view of elective waiting lists

A major change for 2026/27 is the rollout of a Visible Patient Tracking List (PTL) through the Federated Data Platform. This will:

• Give one shared view of waiting lists across the region
• Help improve fairness and access
• Support targeted mutual aid between Trusts

The plan also supports the delivery of Surgical Hub recommendations, builds a Community of Practice, boosts day‑case surgery and prepares for future links with NHS Online.

Outpatient transformation

ENT and Gynaecology will be the focus for outpatient redesign this year. Plans include:

• Digital‑first pathways
• Better use of Advice & Guidance
• Wider use of Patient Initiated Follow‑Up (PIFU)
• More consistent outpatient models across Trusts

The plan also sets out how the region will deliver national elective standards. This includes RTT, improving patient experience, reducing DNAs, lowering follow‑up numbers and shortening the time to first outpatient appointment.

Clinical alliances

Two clinical alliances—ENT and Gynaecology—will lead on pathway redesign. Their work will include:

• Standardised referral routes
• Workforce planning
• Single Points of Access
• Earlier triage and better demand management

A clear plan for better care

Together, these actions aim to:

• Improve RTT performance
• Give patients a better experience
• Make elective pathways more efficient
• Make best use of system capacity
• Support a shift to proactive, digital‑enabled elective care

This work will help prepare the region for future national reforms while improving care for patients across the North East and North Cumbria.

Find out more about the Elective Care and Recovery programme here.

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