Lord Darzi's report, NHS Next Stage Review, attempts to open a new chapter in the story of 'quality' in the English NHS: how to move on from a centrally driven performance management regime - with its focus on driving activity and meeting targets - to a more sophisticated strategy that will strengthen the capability and capacity of local NHS leaders to deliver higher quality and more effective patient care. This briefing provides The King's Fund's analysis of the key themes explored in the review.