IN THIS ISSUE:
Message from our Chief Executive
Working together to turn ambition into outcomes
Our annual conference in October was our best yet – and that’s not just my view, but the feedback from so many of you who joined us. The energy, quality of speakers, and strength of discussion reflected the maturity and confidence of UHUK as a network. It was a genuine celebration of what we have achieved together and a reminder of how mission-critical our members are to the future of the NHS.
We were delighted to welcome the Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth MP, alongside Daniel Elkeles, CEO of NHS Providers, and Peter Holbrook, CEO of SEUK. Each brought valuable perspectives on partnership, innovation, and the power of social enterprise in delivering system outcomes. Those relationships continue to strengthen, reinforcing UHUK’s voice and influence nationally.
Beyond the conference, I’ve been pleased to contribute to wider system conversations – speaking at SEUK’s Health and Social Care meeting in September, joining their Parliamentary Roundtable in November, and taking part in a panel on AI in urgent care at the NHS Providers Conference. Each of these engagements has been a chance to showcase the leadership, innovation, and impact UHUK members bring to neighbourhood and urgent care.
We launched our Integrators in Action position paper which builds on that momentum – setting out clearly how UHUK members are turning ambition into outcomes by joining up urgent, primary and
Stephen Bateman extends his term as UHUK NED
UHUK is pleased to confirm that Stephen Bateman has extended his term as a Non-Executive Director, following approval at our General Meeting in May. Stephen’s previous term came to an end in July, and we are delighted that he will continue to bring his experience, insight and steady leadership to the UHUK Board for a further three years.
Stephen has been a highly valued member of our governance team, offering extensive knowledge of urgent and integrated care, strong strategic oversight and an unwavering commitment to UHUK’s mission and members. We are pleased to have his continued support as we navigate an important period for the sector.
It was also agreed at the General Meeting that the Executive Team will review the process for recruiting NEDs and extending NED terms as part of a wider UHUK governance review to be undertaken in 2025/26.
community care, preventing unnecessary hospital activity, and supporting people to stay well at home.
We’ve made progress on practical issues that matter to members too, including our work with Rebecca Seeley-Harris to address the complexities around offpayroll contracting. It’s great to see the innovation programme making real progress and I am looking forward to seeing the venture builder company formally established in the new year. And with our intern, Rucha Potdukhe, now part of the team, we have extra capacity to support several strategic projects that will move our shared priorities forward.
A meeting is now in the diary with the Permanent Secretary, Samantha Jones, to continue discussions on the vital role UHUK members play in delivering integrated, community-based care – a clear sign that our collective voice is being heard at the highest levels.
It was wonderful to celebrate the UHUK Awards and to recognise long service and outstanding contributions across our membership. Those stories – and our ongoing influencing work – are featured elsewhere in this newsletter, and I encourage you to take a look.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear: helping members translate ambition into measurable outcomes through innovation and collaboration and demonstrating the crucial role of social enterprise urgent and integrated healthcare providers.
Conor Burke
2026 CEO Workshop
• Date: 24th-25th June 2026
• Location: Castle Green Hotel, Kendal
A booking link will be available shortly. CEOs and Deputies/leadership team members welcome.
Message from the Chair
Neighbourhoods!
Arecent headline stated the NHS 10 Year Plan “casts GPs as the pioneers” who will lead a neighbourhood health service. I thought the headline was encouraging and positive but it was followed by a “health warning” and caution that the Government was not listening to the “profession’s concerns”.
I wonder how we would feel if the message cast UHUK Members “as the pioneers who will lead a neighbourhood health service”? Would that lead to a “health warning” or to highlighting the forward thinking integration and neighbourhood working that is already underway across our services to support and enhance patient care. Combine that with the desire to continually improve through the progressive work of our Innovation Groups and our focus on social value evidenced through our new and developing Quality Assurance Framework, and it feels like we have plenty to offer. The new “neighbourhood provider contracts” recently announced will present new opportunities for members to continue trailblazing.
Wherever we look across our membership there is pioneering work going on.
At a recent event hosted by Social Enterprise UK, The King’s Fund and Baxendale, various statistics were shared highlighting the value of Social Enterprise delivery compared to the NHS (Trusts). These included stronger staff engagement; higher patient satisfaction; lower overhead costs; and a digital approach. FCMS was one of the organisations given as an example and described by SE UK as “a pioneering social enterprise offers a vision of what the NHS could be like”. Encouragingly, Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health, decided to take a look.
Cumbria Health gave me the opportunity to “take a look” and it was very encouraging to learn how the service was already integrated and pioneering. Under the leadership of CEO Susan Blakemore, Cumbria Health has formed links with many different providers to develop numerous partnerships and branches offering a “tree of services” that very much feels in tune with what the NHS neighbourhood plan could look like.
Susan and the Cumbria Health Team are doing fantastic work and I am sure Susan will be greatly missed when she moves on from her role next year.
Key Leadership Group Meeting dates:
It was great to see examples of the pioneering services provided by members at our UHUK National Conference in October. You could feel the positive energy and enthusiasm from all attending, with impressive speakers, including Karin Smyth, Minister for Health and support from many Associate Partners, Affiliates and Sponsors. Our Awards Evening provided a vibrant end to the Conference, celebrating Member achievements and we look forward to our Awards Showcase Event in Spring.
And at our March GM we look forward to welcoming Claire Fuller, National Medical Director - Primary Care, as our guest speak
Thank you all for leading the way and I feel sure we could fit the headline that “casts UHUK Members as the pioneers” who will lead a neighbourhood health service.
And as we approach the end of 2025, I hope the Winter Season runs smoothly for all your services and you all enjoy some fun, rest and relaxation during the Festive Season.
Nigel Gazzard
Re:Legal HMRC 10/12/2025 14/01/2026 11/02/2026 04/03/2026 08/04/2026 13/05/2026 10/06/2026
HR 26/01/2026 23/03/2026 25/05/2026 IMT 13/01/2026 10/03/2026 12/05/2026 Ops/Strategic 04/12/2025 05/03/2026 04/06/2026 Payroll 20/01/2026 17/03/2026 19/05/2026
Sickness Data 15/12/2025 09/02/2026 13/04/2026 08/06/2026
General Meeting 11/12/2025 18/03/2026 04/06/2026
Comms and Influencing Update
UHUK’s communications and influencing work has continued to gain real traction this quarter. Our conference activity brought in an additional 197 new LinkedIn followers and, for the first time, UHUK outperformed both NHS Confederation and NHS Providers for engagement. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed interviews, photos, and supported our online coverage.
We’ve submitted UHUK’s response to the 10-Year Workforce Plan call for evidence and are now preparing our response to the Health Foundation’s NHS Productivity Commission.
Our Integrators in Action position paper has now launched, supported by a toolkit for members to tailor and use locally, along with case studies that showcase the impact and potential of our model. The paper is being shared with national stakeholders as we continue to strengthen our voice on behalf of members.
On Social Enterprise Day (20 November), we were delighted to feature contributions from across our membership on LinkedIn, reflecting on what it means to be part of a social enterprise and the difference that ethos makes to patients and staff.
Our work with Social Enterprise UK also continues to build momentum. Conor recently spoke at both SEUK’s Health and Social Care meeting and attended an APPG roundtable with Pattrick Hurley, setting out the mission-critical role of our sector, the barriers created by NHS pathways, and the opportunities for reform. This aligns closely with the joint briefing UHUK produced with PPL on NHS pathways. Conor also joined a panel at the NHS Providers event exploring how AI can improve urgent and integrated care.
Finally, in addition to welcoming Minister of State for Health Karin Smyth to our conference, we’re pleased to have secured a meeting between Conor and DHSC Permanent Secretary Samantha Jones on the 18th December - another valuable opportunity to raise the profile of our members and their vital contribution to the NHS.
Sharon Clifton, UHUK Communications Advisor
DHU partnership reduces Emergency Department demand in Derbyshire
UHUK member DHU Healthcare has reported strong results from its partnership with East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) and Derby and Derbyshire ICB, successfully reducing the number of patients taken to Emergency Departments across the county.
Through Derby and Derbyshire ICB’s Single Point of Access (SPoA) and DHU’s Central Navigation Hub (CNH), EMAS crews are able to speak directly with DHU clinicians to identify safe and appropriate alternatives to ED for patients who do not require hospitalbased care.
A focused awareness campaign in August saw 197 ambulance patients referred to the CNH. Of these, 160 were supported through other services such as Urgent Treatment Centres, community response teams, pharmacies and GP practices. Only 37 patients required treatment at Royal Derby, Chesterfield Royal or Burton Hospital — ensuring more people received the right care in the right place.
Kirsty Osborn, DHU’s Deputy Director of Urgent Care Derbyshire, said:
“In August alone, just over 80 per cent of ambulance patients referred via the CNH were directed to more appropriate care away from EDs. This helps relieve pressure on emergency departments, particularly as we head into the winter months.”
The CNH is staffed by GPs and Advanced Practitioners who work with ambulance crews to determine the most appropriate pathway, supported by real-time information on local services and capacity.
Gemma Payne-Wright, DHU Services and Pathways Manager, added:
“It’s not purely about diverting people from ED — it’s about taking patients to the right place first time, using a live picture of system demand to guide decisions.”
Martin Coleman, Derbyshire Head of Operations at EMAS, said:
“As demand grows, working closely with partners is vital. The CNH supports our crews to provide the best care for patients with increasingly complex needs, while avoiding ED unless absolutely necessary.”
This collaboration highlights DHU, EMAS and Derby and Derbyshire ICB’s shared commitment to improving patient experience, supporting system flow, and helping ambulance crews respond more quickly to those who need urgent emergency care.
Imagine having a 24/7 AI-powered Executive Coach - tailored to you - helping you think, deliver, and communicate at a higher level every day.
The AI Executive Coach Workshop shows you how to use AI to work faster, make clearer decisions, and increase your strategic impact, fast. You’ll leave with a personalised co-pilot fully dialled into your role, your thinking, and your responsibilities.
Professionals across UHUK are under increasing pressure: tighter operational demands, deadlines and visibility requirements - all on top of heavy workloads. This workshop shows you how to save hours and leverage AI strategically.
LauraChattington@SimplifiedMarketingClub.com
This isn’t about learning prompts.
It’s not about using AI tactically like most people. You’ll learn how to use AI to upgrade the way you think, plan, brief, prepare, and lead. embedding AI into your daily workflows.
You and your team don’t have time to figure AI out alone. And the professionals getting ahead aren’t watching tutorials; they’re using AI to operate with more clarity, speed, and consistency.
In the Workshop, here’s what we’ll do together:
• Cut through the AI noise and walk away with a system built around you and your role - no tech expertise required.
• Learn how to work seamlessly with AI in real time.
• Explore where you’re burning time and energy and identify the leverage points AI can take off your plate.
• Reveal the moments where deeper thinking matters and use AI to strengthen decision-making
• Surface the conversations you’ve been overthinking and install a system that helps you communicate more clearly.
• Install a co-pilot AI operating system that thinks with you - while others are still learning what’s possible, you’re already ahead.
At Bid Management Solutions, we provide bid writing and bid management support for clients seeking new commercial contracts in the NHS, Social Care and Education sectors. With 20 years of experience initially helping organisations secure research and development funding and, since 2013, specialising in NHS bids we have built a strong and consistent track record of success. Our bid writing support includes:
• Comprehensive bid management, from initial planning to submission.
• Coordination of writing activities with a focus on critical sections.
• Sourcing and collaborating with Subject Matter Experts whenever required
• Drafts for review, then incorporation of feedback to deliver polished final submissions.
Every bid we manage is thorough, compliant and reflective of client strengths giving them the best chance of success. From Urgent Treatment Centres, Integrated Urgent Care, GP Out of Hours, NHS 111, GP APMS, Integrated Sexual Health, Health in Justice, Pathology and many more we bring specific expertise and a very broad range of experience
Examples of our work can be found by clicking on this link
Contact Mitesh Ladwa for more information
Cumbria Health named one of the UK’s Top 100 Social Enterprises
UHUK member Cumbria Health has been recognised as one of the UK’s Top 100 Social Enterprises in the NatWest SE100 Index, placing it among the country’s most inspiring and high-performing mission-driven organisations.
Compiled annually by Pioneers Post in partnership with NatWest Social & Community Capital, the SE100 celebrates social enterprises that are using business as a force for good – tackling social and environmental challenges while delivering sustainable community impact.
Chief Executive Susan Blakemore said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised on the NatWest SE100 list. This achievement reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to improving access to high-quality primary and urgent care across Cumbria. We are proud to be delivering healthcare with purpose, compassion, and community at its heart.”
Operating across Cumbria, the organisation provides a wide range of NHS services including GP out-of-hours, urgent dental care, prison healthcare, and remote rural coverage. This recognition highlights
the vital role Cumbria Health plays in tackling health inequalities and ensuring equitable access to care for all communities.
UHUK congratulates Susan and the whole team at Cumbria Health on this outstanding national recognition and the lasting difference they continue to make across the region.
BrisDoc begins 15-year partnership with Charlotte Keel Medical Practice
From 1 July 2025, UHUK member BrisDoc Healthcare Services entered into a new 15-year partnership with Charlotte Keel Medical Practice, marking an exciting new chapter for both organisations and for patients in the local community.
The partnership ensures continued access to stable, reliable, and compassionate care, with a shared focus on inclusivity, continuous improvement, and community engagement. Patients will continue to see the same familiar faces, supported by BrisDoc’s strong track record in delivering safe, high-quality, and patient-focused healthcare.
Together, the teams at Charlotte Keel and BrisDoc are committed to listening, learning, and shaping the future of local primary care around the needs of their community – improving access, enhancing outcomes, and ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued.
UHUK congratulates BrisDoc and Charlotte Keel on this exciting step forward and looks forward to sharing the impact of this partnership in the months ahead.
Cumbria Health launches Work Well North
UHUK member Cumbria Health has launched Work Well North, a new service designed to support people across Cumbria whose health may be affecting their ability to stay in work or return to employment. Funded by the North East and North Cumbria ICB through the Health and Growth Accelerator Scheme, the service offers personalised support to help individuals overcome healthrelated barriers and improve overall wellbeing.
Work Well North is available to people living in North Cumbria who are in work, recently off work, or at risk of leaving work due to a health condition. Participants are matched with a dedicated Work Coach for 12–16 weeks to develop a tailored plan, which may include liaising with employers on adjustments, and connecting individuals with support for mental and physical health, lifestyle, finances and counselling.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Growing Well, CADAS, iCan Wellbeing, Citizens
Advice, GLL, Fit4Life and TalkWorks, bringing together seven organisations committed to improving health and reducing inequalities across the region.
Work Well North reflects Cumbria Health’s continued commitment to supporting community wellbeing through early intervention, personalised guidance and strong partnership working.
For more information, visit the Cumbria Health website.
CONNECT & SHARE
LCW partners with Whittington Health to strengthen urgent care access
UHUK member LCW Urgent Care Collaborative has partnered with Whittington Health NHS Trust to provide dedicated GP support to the Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) within Whittington Hospital’s Emergency Department.
Staffed by Emergency Nurse Practitioners and GPs from LCW, the UTC supports patients with urgent but nonlife-threatening illnesses and injuries such as infections, sprains, minor fractures, and rashes. The partnership aims to ensure that every patient attending the Emergency Department receives the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
This collaboration builds on Whittington Health’s strong progress in reducing waiting times and improving performance across urgent and emergency care. With LCW’s clinically led, integrated approach, the service helps to keep emergency resources focused on patients with the most serious needs while improving access and experience for all.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Whittington Health to help patients access the right care, at the right time, in the right place,” said Dr Murtaza Ali, LCW Medical Director. “By working together, our common aim is to improve patient journeys and reduce waiting times.”
UHUK congratulates LCW and Whittington Health on this important partnership, which showcases how integrated working across urgent and primary care can improve outcomes and patient experience.
PC24 New Nursing Contract
In June, Primary Care 24 were awarded the nursing contract for two Liverpool Council care homes specialising in dementia care, Millvina House based in Anfield and Brushwood based in Speke.
Since mobilising in the space of just 6 weeks, they appointed a range of clinical and specialist colleagues to assist and lead with operational and healthcare needs. In August, Primary Care 24 participated in two Summer Fayres, providing baked goods and other fun items for both colleagues and patients, receiving positive feedback from patient’s families about their involvement and personalised care.
SELDOC to deliver urgent treatment services at King’s College Hospital UTC
UHUK member SELDOC has begun delivering urgent treatment services at the King’s College Hospital Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) in Denmark Hill, in partnership with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The service transferred from PHL Group and went live on 3 October 2025.
The partnership is designed to improve access to urgent care for patients with non-life-threatening conditions, reduce waiting times, and strengthen capacity within the UTC — helping to ease pressure on the Emergency Department and ensure patients are streamed safely and effectively to the right level of care.
SELDOC is providing clinical staffing, operational management, and clinical governance oversight, with services continuing to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Patients can access the UTC via NHS 111, walk-in routes or referral pathways.
Dr Emer Sutherland, Clinical Director for Emergency Care at King’s, said:
“We are pleased to be partnering with SELDOC to provide urgent care services here at King’s. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure we can provide the best care for local people who need our services, and I am sure we will benefit from their experience and expertise.”
SELDOC CEO Steven Pink added:
“We are delighted to be working with King’s, providing UTC services at Denmark Hill. This partnership gives us another opportunity to deliver high-quality, patient-first care in the communities we know well. We are excited to welcome new colleagues and begin this important work together.”
UHUK warmly congratulates SELDOC and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on this new partnership, which reflects our members’ growing contribution to integrated urgent care across the NHS.
CONNECT & SHARE
DHU expands capacity at Merlyn Vaz UTC to support patient flow in LLR
UHUK member DHU Healthcare has increased capacity at the Merlyn Vaz Urgent Treatment Centre in Leicester, responding to growing pressures across Emergency Departments and primary care services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR).
Working closely with the LLR Integrated Care Board, DHU has introduced an interim expansion of services to support the local Right Care, Right Place initiative. The aim is to ensure that patients with minor conditions are directed to the most appropriate setting, first time, helping to ease pressure on Emergency Departments and improve access to community-based urgent care.
As part of the expansion, additional clinical appointments have been made available for Emergency Department teams to book directly for patients
who would benefit from being treated in a lower-acuity setting. The UTC has also introduced enhanced diagnostics, including ECG and point-of-care blood testing, further strengthening its ability to assess, treat and safely manage patients closer to home.
Reiss Bond, DHU’s Deputy Director of UEC UTCs, said:
“We are proud to support patients and the wider healthcare system through extended provision of our services. The expansion allows us
to offer enhanced diagnostics and ensures patients receive the best care during their time with us. It also helps reduce pressure on local Emergency Departments so they can focus on those who need emergency or lifesaving treatment.”
He added:
“This would not have been possible without the extraordinary hard work of our clinical and operational teams and leadership colleagues. It will no doubt be a challenging winter, but I am pleased that DHU can play a pivotal role in maintaining patient safety for the communities we serve.”
This development reflects DHU’s ongoing commitment to supporting system resilience and ensuring patients can access timely, appropriate urgent care within their community.
DHU Healthcare begins delivery of services at Corby Urgent Treatment Centre
UHUK member DHU Healthcare has begun delivering services at the Corby Urgent Treatment Centre (CUTC), marking a new chapter for urgent care provision in the area. The transition ensures continued access to safe, high-quality, and compassionate urgent care for local residents.
DHU, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company and established provider of urgent and emergency care across the Midlands, will work closely with Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board and local partners to support a smooth transition and ongoing service improvement. The organisation already delivers Northamptonshire’s GP Out of Hours service and operates several Urgent Treatment Centres across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Its Derbyshire Urgent Care North service was rated Outstanding by the CQC in 2023.
The Corby UTC will continue to operate seven days a week, 8am–8pm, for walk-in patients and those referred via NHS 111 or their GP, providing urgent care for non-lifethreatening conditions.
Paul Tilson, Chief Operating Officer at DHU Healthcare, said:
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to deliver quality, compassionate care to the people and communities of Corby. We’ve spent time listening to the existing team to understand the community they serve, and that local insight will help us build on what already works well.”
Eileen Doyle, Chief Delivery Officer for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB and Northamptonshire ICB, added:
“We are delighted to welcome DHU to Corby. We believe this partnership will bring real benefits to patients and look forward to working with them to enhance services at Corby Urgent Care Centre.”
UHUK congratulates DHU Healthcare on this new partnership and its continued commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centred urgent care across the region.
INNOVATION & ENTERPRISE
Venture Builder Update
Launch on Track for Christmas
The Venture Builder is building strong momentum with a target launch by year-end. Key tasks pre Christmas include Company secretarial setup, investment legal agreements, and recruitment adverts launched, with support from new intern Rucha.
Investment
Status
• Potential fourth member investor decision expected before year-end
• Still accepting last-minute investors (£10k+ minimum) before legal completion if member interest at yearend
• UHUK innovation funds will part pay for UHUK's overall investment - secured as operational startup float
Strategic Collaboration
Working closely with Tara-Lee and Innovation Group to triage opportunities - commercial venture possibilities can go to the VB, partnerships to Tonia and Innovation strands to Tara-Lee and Innovation working group.
Full timeline and operational details available in a more detailed document on request - any questions or interest please email Matt Adam on matt.adam1@nhs.net
Other Venture Builder Learnings
Matt has experience of running another VB (not healthcare related), and they have been working through a methodology over the past 9 months, of which many learnings can be taken into UHUK's venture builder. This includes a venture recently trialled in the consumer food space, which after a 3 month trial is already turning over £25k monthly revenue to the general public, and closed a £200k seed investment round for future growth and staff hires, demonstrating how quickly certain ventures can gain traction with this model. As a reminder, the UHUK Venture Builder is not only concerned with tangible venture "products", expensive software platform development, deep tech / clinical trial / difficult ventures to get off the ground, but could also be services related and have far fewer startup costs.
Next Steps
Critical milestones before Christmas include company incorporation, director appointments, recruitment launch for Venture Lead and Venture Associates roles, and legal documentation completion with investment transfers. An ideation pipeline session and budget review with investor members is planned for December.
UHUK Innovation ProgrammeInnovation in Action!
Following our launch in the Summer the UHUK Innovation Programme continues to build and gain traction.
We now have 2 Project Groups actively working to collaborate on generating, designing and testing new and practical at scale approaches to improve our efficiency and effectiveness
Our Service Improvement Project Group is exploring how we might innovate and make improvements in our patient facing services and pathways. So far, we have:
• Developed our Target Digital Operating Models for Integrated Urgent Care and Urgent Treatment Centres
• Held a successful and productive workshop to develop our use case, service specification and success measures to progress a proposed new and technically enabled solution to support improvements in comfort calling. In the next phase, we will be testing our proposed approach with our patients, and approaching the market with a view to securing our 'innovation partner/s' in order to take the development of our proposal forward
• Commenced discussions with key national stakeholders with a view to influencing and considering opportunities to test national approaches at scale
Our Back Office Project Group is focussed on improving efficiency, effectiveness and value for money in delivery of our back-office functions and is currently focussed on:
• Considering how we might best to organise and deliver our back-office functions in the future with an initial focus on occupational health services
• Exploring new approaches to address current areas of challenge (as experienced by our members/ workforce) to deliver back-office services including considering how back-office infrastructure might support members to be at the forefront of national developments such as neighbourhood health models and to deliver efficiently/effectively, with greater automation, and removing pain points for our staff
• Using our collective buying power to partner more effectively with our external suppliers-both existing and when looking to secure new suppliers. Through this work, and with input via our Back Office Project Group, a UHUK wide survey and joint development workshop, we now have a UHUK/RotaMaster Joint Development Plan with agreed priorities for delivery over the next 12m. From January, members will have the opportunity to be part of the shaping and testing of the system improvement developments via a series of themed development focus groups-sign up to the focus groups will follow in due course.
Want to know more about the above? Please contact Tara-Lee Baohm, Innovation Programme Director: tara-lee.baohm@nhs.net
Innovation Programme Meeting Dates:
Teams Meeting Times Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Back Office Innov 1200-1300 04/12/2025 18/12/2025 15/01/2026 29/01/2026 12/02/2026 26/02/2026 12/03/2026 26/03/2026
Service Improv Innov 1300-1400 25/11/2025 09/12/2025 06/01/2026 20/01/2026 03/02/2026 17/02/2026 03/03/2026 17/03/2026
Innov Steering Group 1100-1300 20/11/2025 19/02/2026 02/04/2026
Update from our Medical Director
I’m pleased to share a brief update on my work as UHUK Medical Director. Over the past few months, we’ve continued to make strong progress on several fronts aimed at supporting members and strengthening our collective voice in urgent care.
The Quality Assurance Framework project is well underway and was recently presented at the CEO Conference. This approach is designed to demonstrate the value UHUK members bring as leading social enterprise healthcare providers in an increasingly competitive market. Importantly, it goes beyond CQC and KPI measures, focusing instead on outcomes, social value, and wider social impact. Early feedback from members has been extremely positive, and we’re keen to move this forward at pace, as the urgent need for this work has been clearly recognised.
We’ve also made significant strides with the Clinical Forum, which continues to develop into a highly collaborative space for clinical leaders. It’s been fantastic to see members sharing learning and shaping future models of care together. We’re focusing on three key areas: AI and innovation projects to improve clinical care, CQC readiness, and training and education.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue to build on this momentum and look forward to sharing the outcomes of this work and the impact it delivers for members and the wider sector.
Thank you, as always, for your continued engagement and contribution.
Introducing our Intern
Hi! My name is Rucha and I am currently completing my thirdyear work placement at UHUK as part of my BSc Medical Biosciences with Management degree at Imperial College London.
My role as an intern focuses on supporting a variety of different projects in various areas of the company, particularly
within communications, partnerships, innovation, and other strategic projects. For example, I am currently researching sponsors for UHUK’s next conference and aiding with the development of a procurement marketplace for medical supplies, tech and more. Having such a broad range of responsibilities has helped me understand UHUK member's overall mission to provide high-quality urgent care on a deeper level, as
well as understand how projects are interconnected and work together to achieve a common goal.
During this placement I hope to gain deeper insight into how UHUK collaborates, innovates, and measures impact of initiatives across members. Most importantly, I am excited to learn more about how UHUK can drive this transformation nationally to increase the quality of patient-focused care.
Celebrating the leadership and legacy of Cumbria Health’s CEO
After more than 23 years of dedicated service, Susan Blakemore, Chief Executive of Cumbria Health, has announced her intention to retire in May 2026.
As one of the organisation’s founding members, Susan has played a pivotal role in shaping Cumbria Health’s journey – bringing together local services to form the thriving, innovative, and compassionate organisation it is today.
Under her leadership, Cumbria Health has evolved from an out-of-hours provider into a diverse and forwardlooking organisation delivering a wide range of highquality services across Cumbria. Susan has championed collaboration, innovation, and education, creating a culture recognised nationally for its ‘can-do’, solutionfocused approach.
During her tenure, Cumbria Health became the first out-of-hours service in the country to achieve a CQC
Outstanding rating and went on to receive the NHS70 MP Award for Excellence in Primary Care. The organisation continues to grow and innovate, developing new models of care, digital solutions, and services such as Hope Haven, Work Well, and the Urgent Dental Access Centre.
Susan’s leadership has always centred on people – supporting staff, nurturing talent, and ensuring that compassion remains at the heart of everything Cumbria Health does. She leaves behind a strong, resilient organisation with a clear sense of purpose and an enduring legacy.
UHUK extends heartfelt thanks and warm congratulations to Susan for her remarkable contribution to Cumbria Health and to the wider urgent and integrated care community. We very much look forward to continuing to work with her over the coming months as she leads the organisation through to her retirement next May.
Dawood
Celebrating a Lifetime of Transformational Leadership
At this year’s UHUK 2025 Conference, we were delighted to present our Lifetime Achievement Award to Suzy Layton, Co-CEO at FCMS (NW) Ltd, recognising more than two decades of exceptional leadership and vision in urgent and primary care.
From pioneering the first local pharmacy scheme in 2003 to leading FCMS (NW) Ltd through years of change and challenge, Suzy has been a driving force for innovation, compassion, and inclusion. She has inspired colleagues across UHUK and the wider health and care system with her commitment and passion.
FedBucks Leadership Update
FedBucks has announced a change within its leadership team. After several years as Managing Director, Ally Fisk has stepped back from the role and will resume her role as People Director.
Tim Summerley was appointed Interim CEO from 1 August 2025. Tim brings extensive experience across a range of sectors, with a strong track record in leading transformation, supporting growth, and guiding organisations through complex change. His blend of strategic insight and practical delivery positions FedBucks well for the opportunities and challenges ahead across the health and social care system.
UHUK thanks Ally for her contribution and looks forward to continuing to work with Tim.
EBPC's New Acting Chief Executive
We’re delighted to share the news that Matt Widdows, previously Chief Operating Officer at UHUK member East Berkshire Primary Care (EBPC), has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 November 2025.
Matt has been a key member of EBPC’s leadership team for the past three years, driving operational excellence and supporting the organisation’s strategic direction. His deep understanding of EBPC’s mission and values, together with his strong leadership, make him ideally placed to guide the organisation through its next phase.
UHUK extends warm congratulations to Matt and thanks him for his continued commitment to EBPC.
Presented by UHUK Chair Nigel Gazzard, the award celebrates not only Suzy’s outstanding service but a remarkable career that has transformed services, nurtured new leaders, and made a lasting difference to patients and communities alike.
Our warmest congratulations to Suzy – and heartfelt thanks for the leadership, courage, and heart she continues to bring to urgent care.
Dr Caroline O’Keeffe appointed Chief Executive of North Hampshire Urgent Care
UHUK is delighted to congratulate Dr Caroline O’Keeffe on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of North Hampshire Urgent Care (NHUC), effective from 1 November 2025.
Caroline succeeds Felicity Greene, who retired at the end of October after many years of dedicated leadership and significant contribution to NHUC’s success and growth.
Previously Medical Director and Deputy CEO, Caroline is highly regarded across Frimley ICB and Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, bringing extensive clinical expertise, strategic insight, and a strong commitment to collaboration across healthcare sectors. Her leadership in Neighbourhood Health and her pivotal role in establishing NHUC’s Urgent Treatment Centres have already made a lasting impact on the organisation’s development and innovation.
Reflecting on her appointment, Caroline said:
“I am thrilled to have taken up the role of Chief Executive Officer at North Hampshire Urgent Care. I would like to thank Felicity for her years of dedicated leadership and immense contribution to the organisation. I look forward to working with colleagues, partners, and the wider community across Hampshire and Surrey to continue delivering high-quality urgent care and psychological therapies, and to build on the strong foundations already in place.”
UHUK extends warm congratulations to Caroline on her appointment and sincere thanks to Felicity for her outstanding leadership and contribution to the urgent and integrated care community.
Innovation and Integration in Focus at UHUK 2025
Over 130 healthcare professionals came together at the UHUK 2025 Annual Conference to explore how missiondriven organisations are shaping the future of the NHS through innovation, integration and impact.
Held at Staverton Park Hotel in Daventry, the event centred on Neighbourhood Health and the ambitions of the NHS 10-Year Plan – highlighting how urgent and integrated care providers are driving system-level change to deliver more connected, sustainable healthcare for communities.
Delegates heard from an outstanding line-up of national and sector leaders, including:
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health; Daniel Elkeles, CEO, NHS Providers; Peter Holbrook CBE, CEO, Social Enterprise UK; and Sam Seddon, Ormsdale Associates, alongside expert panellists from NHS England, NHS Horizons, PPL, Kaleidoscope, The Patients’ Association, Medica, Curistica, and Bardoc.
UHUK members also took centre stage, sharing case studies of innovation and impact from across our network –from digital enablement and workforce transformation to tackling health inequalities through local partnerships.
“There was a real buzz and sense of enthusiasm running throughout this year’s conference – passion, purpose, pride, and perseverance were everywhere you looked,” said Nigel Gazzard, UHUK Chair.
“As Minister Karin Smyth reminded us, we are pushing at an open door – the potential for our members to help shape the future of urgent and integrated care has never been greater.”
SAVE THE DATE! The 2026 Annual Conference will be: 13-14 October at the Staverton Park Hotel
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrating Excellence at the UHUK 2025 Awards
The energy and enthusiasm of the UHUK 2025 Conference carried through to the Gala Awards Dinner, where more than 160 guests came together to celebrate excellence across our social enterprise members and partners.
Awards were presented in nine categories, recognising collaboration, innovation, and quality across services that collectively support more than two-thirds of the UK population.
“The winning entries highlight what UHUK and our members do best – partnership, collaboration, innovation, and excellence in urgent and integrated care,” said Conor Burke, UHUK Chief Executive. “The direction set out in the NHS 10-Year Plan mirrors what our members have been quietly delivering for years – integration, prevention, and community-based impact.”
Guests were wowed before and during the dinner by magician, George Billingham
UHUK 2025 Award Winners
Digital Impact sponsored by Primary Care 24/Blinx
GOLD Cumbria Health: Digital CVD Health Checks Using PocDoc
SILVER . Badger: Real Time Monitoring (RTM) System
Clinical Safety Leadership sponsored by CLEO Systems
GOLD Mastercall Healthcare: Transforming Clinical Governance with Business Intelligence.
SILVER . NEMS: Elevating patient safety and quality through antimicrobial stewardship
BRONZE . NEMS:
Innovation in Action sponsored by OneAdvanced
GOLD FCMS (NW): Community Diagnostics at Middleton Arena.
SILVER Suffolk GP Fed: The Iris Project
BRONZE Mastercall Healthcare: The Adapted Opoku Chart
People First sponsored by Hallam Medical
GOLD Mastercall Healthcare: Implementation of a Suicide Prevention Strategy.
SILVER PELC: Innovating Workforce Resilience in UTCs
BRONZE LCW UCC: Breaking Silos and building Resilience
UHUK extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners, finalists, and contributors for their outstanding work and innovation across the urgent and integrated care community.
Excellence in Operational Safety sponsored by C-STEM
GOLD PELC: Embedding On-Site Governance at Queen’s Hospital.
SILVER LCW UCC: The ICAP Model
Stronger Together sponsored by Credentially
GOLD NHUC: A Scalable Integrated Urgent Care Model
SILVER PC24: The PC24 and UCR Collaboration
BRONZE LCD: Collaborative supply of over-Labelled medications in EoL Care
Equity in Healthcare sponsored by Hempsons
GOLD Primary Care 24: Championing Change: Refugee Voices Leading Health Equity
SILVER Cumbria Health: Hope Haven - Health Without Barriers
BRONZE PELC: Health Inequalities Initiative
Making a Difference sponsored by Babble
GOLD FCMS (NW): Strive Fleetwood
SILVER PC24: Delivering Initiatives Targeting Health Access Disparities
Outstanding Engagement & Involvement sponsored by AppLocum
GOLD PELC: Strengthening Patient Voice Across Our Urgent Treatment Centres.
SILVER PC24: Patient Voices Leading Change
We’ll be shining an even brighter spotlight on these achievements at our UHUK Awards Showcase on 11th March 2026 in London, celebrating the lasting impact these initiatives continue to have across the UK.
Picture of the award winners.
DEVELOP & IMPROVE
UHUK members recognised at National Awards
UHUK is proud to celebrate the achievements of our members at various National Awards this year.
B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards
Hannah Rahmani (Head of Nursing, Primary Care 24) is shortlisted for the Nurse of the Year Award.
From leading transformative work in asylum and homeless health, to co-producing inclusive safeguarding models with Light for Life, her leadership has inspired systemic change. Hannah has driven innovation by redesigning asylum health screenings and creating the PC24 Safeguarding Champion Model, as well as embedding Protected Learning Time for nurses and mentoring the next generation of B.A.M.E leaders.
Clare Lawson (Practice Nurse at PC24's Asylum Service) is shortlisted for the Advocacy and Patient Experience Champion Award
Clare has transformed the patient experience for service users. By introducing an on-site phlebotomy clinic, Clare reduced waiting times from 3–4 weeks to just one week, ensuring timely care and better outcomes. Clare acts as an advocate for patients facing language barriers, trauma and systemic challenges - always treating each person with dignity and respect.
Nursing Times Awards 2025
Primary Care
24 – Winner: Nursing in Primary Care
Primary Care 24 won this category for its work transforming access to healthcare for homeless and vulnerable patients in Sefton. Judges praised the initiative for its innovation, scalability and strong nurse leadership, with clear evidence of impact including reduced emergency attendance.
Primary Care 24 – Winner: Nursing in the Community
Primary Care 24 also won this category for the same initiative, commended for its inclusive, co-produced approach and outstanding leadership. Judges highlighted the contribution of project lead Hannah Rahmani.
These awards for PC24 are a testament to the work of Hannah Rahmani (Head of Nursing in Primary Care) and her team, for their diligent work with Light For Life to transform access to healthcare for homeless and vulnerable patients across deprived parts of Merseyside, making healthcare accessible and tailored to their individual needs.
Finalists in the NT Awards:
• Primary Care 24 – Patient Safety Award
• Suffolk GP Federation – Nursing in Primary Care
• Suffolk GP Federation – Nursing in the Community
• Suffolk GP Federation – Ingrid Fuchs Cancer Nursing Award
• Suffolk GP Federation – Public Health Nursing Award
• Suffolk GP Federation – Team of the Year
• Suffolk GP Federation – The King’s Award for Integrated Approaches to Care
• DHU Healthcare – Care of Older People Award
Nursing Times Workforce Awards 2025
Primary Care 24 has been shortlisted for Best Social Responsibility Programme: Health, Humanity, and Hope: A Workforce-Led Revolution in Social Responsibility.
Khadija Adam, Head of Community Services, and the PC24 Community Team developed an extensive social responsibility programme, focused on removing healthcare barriers for asylum seekers and homeless individuals. Through mobile outreach, community-led events, and micro-initiatives, the team delivered urgent dental and sexual health services, supported new mothers in hardship, and promoted cultural inclusion through large-scale Eid celebrations.
Social Enterprise Awards 2025
Two UHUK members; FCMS (NW) Ltd and Cumbria Health, have been shortlisted for the Public Services Social Enterprise of the Year category.
Run by Social Enterprise UK, the Awards celebrate organisations that are using business as a force for good, recognising innovation, inclusion, and impact across the UK’s 131,000 social enterprises.
Both FCMS and Cumbria Health have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to public services and the positive social impact they deliver every day through community-based, patient-centred care.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, on 26 November 2025 — just after we signed off this issue.
UHUK extends warm congratulations to all our members who were recognised this year in various awards. Your innovation, leadership and commitment to high-quality, compassionate care continue to strengthen our sector and make a real difference to patients and communities.
Training on offer through UHUK, delivered by Affiliate Partner, Kasorb
CQC New Single Assessment Framework
This workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), its role, and its regulatory framework. Through interactive discussions and practical insights, learners will develop the knowledge and confidence to engage effectively with CQC, understand the assessment and scoring process, and recognise their role in maintaining and improving service quality.
Course Contents:
• Gain a deeper understanding about CQC, who they are and what their mandate is
• What services are assessed, how and why
• The Fundamental Standards based on the Regulations
• Key questions and quality statements
• The quality statements and scoring system
• How to gain confidence when speaking to CQC
• Different ratings including the pros and cons of each rating
• The role you play and the impact it has
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
• Understand the role, mandate, and assessments of the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
• Learn the Fundamental Standards, Single Assessment Framework, and quality statements
• Gain confidence in engaging with CQC inspectors and assessors
• Recognise CQC ratings, their advantages, and challenges
• Understand the inspection process, scoring system, and impact on compliance and improvement
• Strengthen their approach to evidence-based practice
Essential Skills for New Managers in Urgent Care
This workshop aims to equip new managers and team leaders working in urgent health and out-of-hours (UHUK) services with the key leadership, HR and communication skills needed to lead teams confidently, manage performance, and support staff wellbeing.
Course Contents:
• Transitioning from team member to manager
• Key HR and employment essentials
• Conducting appraisals and managing performance
• Handling difficult conversations and conflict
• Coaching and motivating individuals and teams
• Supporting wellbeing and building team resilience
• Creating a personal 90-day leadership action plan
Current dates to book this online course:
• Tues 16th Dec 2025
• Jan 2026 - TBC
For further information relating to the above courses, additional dates, or further course offers, please email sarah.fletcher13@nhs.net
Book Here
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Describe the core responsibilities of a team leader/ manager in an urgent health setting
• Apply essential HR and employment principles in dayto-day management
• Plan and conduct effective appraisals and performance discussions
• Manage challenging conversations in a calm, structured and constructive way
• Use coaching and motivational techniques to engage and develop staff
• Promote staff wellbeing and resilience within a 24/7 healthcare environment
• Set clear personal goals for their first 90 days in role
We are also looking at providing the following courses:
• Physical Intervention Training
• Effective Comms
• Conflict Resolution/Positive Behaviour Support
• Remote Consultation Training
• Risk Assessment
• Verification of Expected Death
• Supervision and Appraisal
Together we are the largest social enterprise provider of outof-hospital services including;
• NHS 111 call centres
• Other call centre services
• Medical out-of-hours services
• Booking and referral services
• Emergency dental services
• GP practices
• Admissions avoidance schemes
• Urgent care centres
• Walk-in centres
• Community nursing and other community based services
• Sexual health services
• Offender health services
• Urgent Mental health services
• Military health services
• Homeless support services
We serve 64% of the population of the UK and Ireland (excluding Scotland)
UHUK Purpose:
To build our collective capability so we provide exceptional integrated and urgent primary care and the very best possible health outcomes to more people through Social Enterprise.
Services to members
We operate as a federation of social enterprise healthcare providers enabling members to benefit by working together and effectively being part of a much larger organisation.
Our services to members can be summarised as follows;
• Quality audit and benchmarking by external NHS auditors against agreed outcome focused quality standards
• Purchasing consortium which generates savings for members
• Market intelligence – analysis of our markets, identifying business opportunities and comparing prices
• Sharing of information and resources through discussion forums, workshops and the annual conference.
• Joint public relations initiatives
• Joint National representation initiatives (e.g. on The Five Year Forward View, NHS 111, Social Enterprise in Health)
Contact Us:
Business Manager, & Company Secretary:
Hazel Harrison - hazel.harrison3@nhs.net
Tel: 07841 337631
www.uhuk.co.uk
Membership: Current members include:
• Badger Birmingham area
• BrisDoc Bristol
• Cumbria Health Cumbria
• Dalriada Urgent Care Northern Ireland
• DHU Health Care Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Midlands
• EBPC OOH East Berkshire
• FCMS (NW) Ltd North Lancashire
• FedBucks Buckinghamshire
• GMUPCA Manchester, Bury & Stockport
Alliance consisting of:
• BARDOC
• GTD
• Mastercall Healthcare
• Salford Primary Care Together (SPCT)
• IC24 Suffolk, Essex & Sussex
• LCW UCC West & Central London
• Local Care Direct West Yorkshire
• NEMS CBS Nottinghamshire
• NHUC Hampshire
• PC24 Merseyside
• PELC Ltd East London
• SELDOC South East London
• Shropdoc Shropshire & Powys
• Suffolk GP Federation Suffolk
• Western Urgent Care Belfast
Associate Members:
• Northdoc Medical North Dublin City & County Services
• Welsh Health Boards
The People:
Chair
Nigel Gazzard
Chief Executive Conor Burke
Medical Director Dr Dawood Anwar
Non-Executives
Stephen Bateman
Michaela Buck
Matt Adam (independent)
Partnerships Director Tonia Culpin
Business Manager Hazel Harrison
Business Coordinator
Sarah Fletcher
Comms Advisor Sharon Clifton
Project Coordinator Tara-Lee Baohm
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