As NHS ConfedExpo 2025 approaches, we spoke with Ruth Rankine, Director Primary Care Network, NHS Confederation, about the value of this landmark health and care event and her personal highlights from this year’s programme:

What are you looking forward to most at NHS ConfedExpo 2025?

NHS ConfedExpo is the only place where the whole of the system comes together around common issues and demonstrates the power of collaboration across different sectors. It offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from those driving change, sharing their insights, inspiring others, and celebrating success across the system.

Why should people within Primary Care attend NHS ConfedExpo 2025?

With the recent announcements about structural changes and a new 10-year plan, there are massive opportunities for primary care to play a leading role in the future. NHS ConfedExpo provides the mechanism to hear from national leaders about the future as well as talk to peers about how we can transform delivery to shift care closer to home and deliver a neighbourhood health service.

Looking at the programme, what are you most looking forward to and why?

I’m looking forward to joining Professor Claire Fuller and Dr Amanda Doyle in the Future of Primary Care session, where we’ll explore the opportunities for primary care in the new operating landscape in the context of the government’s priorities for the NHS. We will also look at what it will take to secure a promising future for primary care.

Are there any other sessions you are looking forward to attending?

There are several sessions I have highlighted in my calendar. Delivering on the promise of a neighbourhood health service is an opportunity to hear from one of our members, Sian Stanley, on how integrated neighbourhood working will support the left shift to improve patient care based on her own experience.

The ten-year health plan: making the vision a reality is another must-attend. There has been a lot of discussion about the 10-year plan, but in the context of today’s challenges, it will be interesting to hear how we can recover and reform at the same time.

I’m also keen to attend From insight to action: moving population health from data analysis to improved outcomes. In a new world of strategic commissioning and greater responsibility on providers for population health management, the power of data and insight is critical for commissioners and providers.

Are there any speakers you are looking forward to hearing from?

Our CEO, Matthew Taylor, will be leading a discussion with a strong panel of leaders on the 10-Year plan. I’m also eager to hear Tracey Vell speak on the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and Naomi Bennett, one of our primary care leaders and Network Advisory Group members, discussing population health management.

What is your advice to someone attending NHS ConfedExpo for the first time?

Take the opportunity to attend a session that may not be an obvious choice for you.  So, for example, I would recommend Breaking barriers together: a cross-system approach to delivering impact, which highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration across the system.

NHS Confed Expo is a great opportunity to step out of the day-to-day business, to challenge your thinking, connect with exhibitors and peers who will be able to share valuable learnings to support you and your organisation. Take time to network and build new relationships.

What are you hoping to take away from the conference?

I’m looking forward to gaining different perspectives and examples of innovative practice to draw on in our work and national conversations. Hearing from inspiring leaders and connecting with members always sparks fresh ideas of how we scale innovation and success across other systems.

Ruth Rankine

Director, Primary Care Network

You can keep up to date with Ruth on BlueSky: @rrankine.bsky.social or LinkedIn: Ruth Rankine

To view the full agenda, click here.