About 42 integrated care systems (ICS) are in place today, bringing together doctors, hospitals, care services and other local teams. Clinic assignment groups that once controlled local health budgets will no longer exist as part of the changes. Under the plan, a GP clinic in Stockport is offering blood pressure checks at betting shops, while a sports club in Coventry and North Warwickshire is offering support for diabetes and obesity through GP referrals and gym access. Some GP practices have brought in mental health staff to help young people. NHS England said the reforms would save around 14 14 million a year by reducing the number of NHS executives by almost 170. Amanda Pritchard, executive director of the NHS, said integrated care systems “have the power to really transform the way we care for people up and down the country”. “Through these programs, we are already making a huge difference in people’s lives. “The NHS will now build on this success and innovation and provide patient care that is appropriate for the future, as well as saving millions of pounds for taxpayers each year.” Read more: Doctors demand 30% pay rise, as some doctors say they may need to strike the GP workforce facing “worrying workload” amid staff shortages Cancer diagnoses affected by delayed waiting times General practitioner hospital parking fine imposed after night shifts exceeded by minutes Some critics have expressed concern that integrated care systems, which divide the country into geographically similar populations, are not equal in terms of needs and resources. The Health Foundation, an independent charity, said in June: “The work of the ICS is not equal. “Pressures on services and public health vary widely between ICSs – as do the resources available to address them. “ICSs also look very different in size, complexity and other characteristics. “Variations on the NHS are nothing new, but these differences will shape the way ICSs work and their ability to work together to improve services.” The British Medical Association said in a statement on its website: “BMA supports efforts to improve cooperation both within the NHS and in the healthcare sector as a whole, and we recognize the potential value of greater integration. “However, we do not support a single model of integration and have strongly criticized the approach taken by the national bodies for the development of ICS and their predecessors, STP (Sustainability and Transformation Plan). “The BMA also actively opposed the law on health and care during its vote by parliament and campaigned vigorously for its radical amendment. “More specifically, we believe it is important for ICSs to incorporate a strong clinical voice into all their structures, to maintain local decision-making, to be free from competition and private sector involvement, and to be guided by the NHS and its public authorities “.
