Can improvement and innovation save the NHS?

In THIS Institute’s 2026 Annual Lecture, Mary Dixon-Woods explores whether improvement and innovation can help save the NHS, and what it will take to turn ambition into meaningful, system-wide reform.

Yoon Kim

Communications and Engagement Coordinator

Two speakers sit on armchairs on a stage during a Q&A session at 2026 THIS Institute Annual Lecture, seen from the audience. A large screen behind them displays the text “THIS Institute.” A small table between the speakers holds a bottle of water and two glasses. A standing banner to the left reads, “At THIS Institute we’re providing better evidence for a better NHS,” alongside an illustration of a lightbulb and figures. The audience is visible in the foreground in soft focus.

28 May 2026

Mary Dixon-Woods stands at a lectern on a stage in a theatre-style auditorium, presenting to a seated audience. Behind the speaker, a large projected slide shows a flow diagram. Two empty chairs and a small table with water are arranged on stage. A banner to the left reads “At THIS Institute we’re providing better evidence for a better NHS.” The room features red seating, warm lighting, and decorative wall lamps.

“If we’re going to save the NHS, now is the time to reimagine implementation, engagement, and evaluation.”

On Wednesday 6 May, over 100 people came together at Downing College for THIS Institute’s 2026 Annual Lecture. The evening featured a thought-provoking talk from Professor Mary Dixon-Woods, Director of THIS Institute, who asked, “Can improvement and innovation save the NHS?”

Drawing on her extensive research, Mary set out what improvement and innovation can realistically deliver and where the biggest opportunities lie.

While acknowledging the scale and persistence of the problems facing the NHS, Mary argued that meaningful reform remains possible, if efforts are grounded in evidence, collaboration, and system-wide coordination.

The lecture examined the current fragmented approach to innovation and improvement and warned that the enthusiasm to adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence often outpaces proper testing, implementation planning and evaluation.

Scroll down to view highlights from the evening or watch the full lecture recording.