We discuss Sir Jim Mackey’s first year as NHS England chief executive, and his interview with HSJ in which he sets out plans for 2026-27.

This year has seen the NHS land more or less on plan for its biggest recovery targets – and with declared financial deficits falling quicker than expected.

Sir Jim told us the next 12 months will leave more room for thinking ahead, including about commissioning and neighbourhood health. But money is still very tight and ever-bigger leaps in improvements will be needed to stay on track.

Also, we cover the huge challenges facing the Humber Health Partnership, a group model that has seen its two member trusts placed into special measures and ask what lessons can be learned for trust groups elsewhere.