Commissioning

In July 2022, significant changes to NHS commissioning in England came into effect with the establishment of Integrated Care Systems (ICSs).

This change, based on the Health and Care Act 2022, replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs). The focus has shifted from individual organisations commissioning services to a more collaborative approach within local systems.

Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are partnerships that bring together organisations across the NHS, local government, the voluntary sector, and other partners to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities. They aim to ensure joined-up care for patients, deliver high-quality services, and make the best use of available resources.

Each ICS is led by an Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is responsible for planning and funding NHS services in its area. The ICB works closely with an Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), which brings together wider stakeholders to address broader health, public health, and social care challenges.
– NHS England: Continues to oversee the NHS and support ICBs in delivering their objectives, ensuring consistency and quality of care.
– Healthwatch England: Remains responsible for gathering and amplifying the views of patients and service users to inform service improvements.
– The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): Replaced Public Health England and is focused on public health protection, including managing infectious diseases and health threats.
– NHS Digital (formerly the Health and Social Care Information Centre): Responsible for information and data, ensuring accurate, accessible health data supports care delivery.

What does this mean for Local Practices?

As part of this change, GP practices are no longer part of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) but instead contribute to their local Integrated Care System. Practices collaborate within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) groups of practices working together to deliver enhanced services to their populations. These networks remain a key part of integrated care.

At Church Street Practice, we are part of the South West Oxfordshire Locality, now within the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West ICS (BOB ICS). This partnership aims to:

  • Improve population health and reduce inequalities.
  • Deliver high-quality, sustainable care.
  • Coordinate services across healthcare, social care, and public health.

We work collaboratively with other practices and partners within our locality to meet the needs of our patients. Meetings are held regularly to ensure shared goals and alignment with the priorities of the BOB ICS.

At Church Street Practice, our locality representative ensures that your voice is heard and that decisions align with the needs of our population.

This new integrated approach enables us to better address the health and care challenges of today while ensuring a more sustainable and effective system for the future. If you have any questions about these changes or how they affect the services we provide, please feel free to contact the practice.