For more information about this year's conference visit www.nhsconfed.org

Published April 2008: Funding tomorrow today: social care for older people and vulnerable adults - Social care funding must be fairer if provision of social care is to survive. This paper argues that the long term solution to society’s biggest problem – how to fund social care for older people – could be a minimum package of entitlement paid for through a new insurance system. A new system of a sensible level of care backed up by top-ups through social insurance and government support for the poorest would reward those who save, favour prevention over high cost ‘last resorts’ such as care homes and hand control of how money is spent to the users rather than the funders of care.

Published May 2008: Compassion in healthcare: The missing dimension of healthcare reform? - This paper explores how, despite the scope and sophistication of modern healthcare, care and compassion appear to be under strain in health systems globally. It does this through the story of Robin Youngson, an anaesthetist and clinical leader in New Zealand, and his daughter’s treatment in hospital after an accident. Through his prescription for compassion, Robin considers how to put the compassion back in to modern healthcare across the world.

Published June 2008: Globalisation: How will it affect the NHS? - This paper looks at the challenge of serving a population that is increasingly subject to global influences. It considers the impact of rising public expectations as information on global healthcare systems becomes increasingly accessible, as well as the effect of ethnic diversity in the UK and what it means for commissioners and providers. The paper challenges NHS leaders to design services for the future that genuinely respond to the needs of the populations they serve.

Published June 2008: Topping-up: Should it be allowed in the NHS? - This paper looks at the issues surrounding whether or not patients should be able to buy additional treatments not offered by the NHS. It critically evaluates the present system, highlighting how the current inconsistencies must be addressed so that the NHS is not undermined. We hope member views will inform our position on how the NHS should react to this difficult issue.

Published June 2008: - Disruptive Innovation: What does it mean for the NHS? - This paper explores how innovation in service models, consumer behaviour and technology might disrupt or improve the way the NHS works and how organisations should respond to this. It suggests that some of the most significant areas of change for the NHS will come from the ability of technology to empower people.