NHS England chief urges North East to seize opportunities of devolution
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, has urged the North East to make greater use of devolution to tackle the deep-rooted challenges facing its communities, including some of the most deprived areas in the country.
Speaking at the Schools North East Summit 2026, Sir Jim called for greater local freedom, earlier intervention and closer working between public services to improve outcomes for children and families.
His keynote, From Recovery to Renewal: Building a Healthier Future for the North East, formed part of this year’s Summit theme, Mission North East: A Region United for Change.
Making the most of devolution
Having previously led Northumbria Healthcare and Newcastle Hospitals, Sir Jim drew on his experience of the region to argue that local leaders should have greater influence over how services are designed.
He pointed to the different challenges facing communities in South Shields, Berwick and Middlesbrough, questioning whether uniform national approaches can respond effectively to their needs.
His comments reflect a longstanding concern for Schools North East: national policies must recognise the circumstances of individual communities, particularly in a region facing significant structural inequalities.
Prevention and earlier support
Sir Jim questioned whether the NHS had become too focused on treating problems after they arise, rather than preventing them. He highlighted physical activity, healthy food, mental wellbeing and school readiness as areas requiring greater attention.
For our schools, the consequences of insufficient early support are all too familiar.
School leaders regularly tell us about difficulties accessing mental health services, educational psychologists, speech and language therapy and specialist SEND provision. Delays can affect children’s learning and wellbeing, leaving schools managing increasingly complex needs.
We have consistently made the case that improving educational outcomes requires investment in support before difficulties escalate.
Breaking down barriers between services
Sir Jim also called for closer working between health, education, social care, housing and the justice system, suggesting that departmental divisions are often more entrenched nationally than locally.
Schools across our region frequently find themselves picking up the pieces when families cannot access the services they need.
He emphasised the importance of belonging and community, making the case for services organised around neighbourhoods and the people living within them.
Creating opportunities through the NHS
As one of the North East’s largest employers, the NHS can also help improve opportunities for young people.
Sir Jim highlighted apprenticeships, internships and work experience, alongside the potential for hospital investment to create local jobs and develop skills.
He also noted that recovery from Covid depended partly on the strength of public services before the pandemic, underlining the importance of addressing longstanding pressures.
For Schools North East, the message is clear. Greater local decision-making must come with the resources to make services work better together, with education involved in shaping those decisions.
If children can access the right support earlier, schools will be better placed to focus on what they do best: helping them learn and achieve.