42 ICSs came into effect on 1 July 2022 deadline to deliver more person-centred care

A total of 42 statutory integrated care systems (ICS) came into effect on 1 July 2022 to better join up the health and social care sectors and deliver more effective care locally.

As well as focusing on more holistic and person-centred care, ICSs are also absorbing previous clinical commissioning groups (CCG) commissioning responsibilities. This means ICSs are now responsible for commissioning services in England, including assistive technology services like community equipment services, wheelchair services, and posture and mobility services.

Now that ICSs are legally operative, CCGs will be abolished.

See the full list of 42 ICSs and integrated care boards (ICBs) – ICBs are a statutory organisation within ICSs that bring the NHS together locally to improve population health and establish shared strategic priorities within the NHS – here.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, said: “Integrated care systems have the power to truly transform the way that we care for people up and down the country – not only will the NHS provide care when someone is unwell or has an accident but alongside our local government partners, we must also now play an increasing key role in managing peoples’ health so that we can catch more killer conditions earlier and save lives.

“Local areas are already doing this by going out into communities to spot signs and symptoms earlier in places such as sports clubs and betting shops as well as ensuring people can access community support rather than using 999 or going to A&E.

“Through these schemes, we are already making a massive difference to peoples’ lives. The NHS will now build on this success and innovation and deliver care for patients that is fit for the future as well as saving taxpayers’ millions of pounds each year.”

One such ICS that came into force last week was Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin ICS. NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire Council, and Telford and Wrekin Council will now work closely with other organisations locally to improve population outcomes locally and enhance value for money.

Another ICS that has been established as part of the major commissioning changes in England is Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership. The statutory NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board will now be responsible for local NHS functions and budgets for 1.7million people in the area.

Louise Ansari, National Director at Healthwatch England, added: “The introduction of Integrated Care Systems gives us a unique chance to feed people’s views into the planning and running of services.

“For instance, we know there’s a desire among the public to see services closer to where people live, making them more accessible and truly at the heart of communities. When services act on the experiences of those they serve, it results in better care.

“We are committed to playing our part, helping create a true partnership between services and the public. A partnership where communities are represented at every level of decision-making, those facing the greatest inequalities are heard and there is an ongoing conversation about how we can make care better together.”

Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership is another ICS that came into effect on 1 July 2022, which will now join up health and social care services for the 1.8 million people in the area.

A recent whitepaper made a series of recommendations for ICSs on how they should work with adult social care providers and local care associations to provide better care services to adults. Find out more about the suggestions here.