The head of the NHS in England Sir Simon Stevens has confirmed that 11 more parts of the country will be formally designated “integrated care systems” (ICS) from 1 April 2021 serving a combined population of 14.5 million people.
The new ICSs include the remaining three parts of London – North West London, North Central London and North East London – serving around six million people and four areas of the South West serving a further three million.
In all, there are now 29 ICSs covering more than 35 million people in England, more than 60 per cent of the population.
The NHS aims for ICSs to cover essentially the whole of England by April 2021, with 13 remaining parts of the country working to achieve designation.
ICSs exist to improve the health of all residents, preventing illness, tackling variation in care and delivering seamless services while getting maximum impact for every pound. They enable health and care organisations to join forces and apply their collective strength to addressing their residents' biggest health challenges, many exacerbated by COVID-19.
NHS organisations will need to intensify partnership working with local authorities and the voluntary sector to tackle health inequalities resulting from COVID-19, said Sir Simon.
Speaking at an event for NHS trust leaders, Sir Simon said: “Now is the time to accelerate on integrated care so we have strong health and care systems serving every part of the country. The past year has demonstrated the importance of joined-up working. This will be just as critical as we work together to address the wider social and economic consequences of the Covid pandemic.”
The NHS has also announced that it is seeking views on proposals to strengthen ICSs, including revised recommendations to the government for putting them on a statutory footing.
