The pandemic highlighted our need for a strong and well-run health and care system, that is better integrated and connected. This Friday we are taking the first major step to achieve that goal as we introduce Integrated Care Systems (ICS) across the country - locally ours is called the ‘Sussex Health and Care System’.
With 42 across England, each ICS will be made up of an Integrated Care Board and an Integrated Care Partnership. Locally, this joint working will bring together the NHS, the district and county councils, as well as others within the local health and care sector including GPs, and, voluntary and community groups who will work collaboratively to address the growing pressures we face; with a population living longer, with more complex and long-term physical health, mental health, and care needs.
Our Integrated Care Board will be known as NHS Sussex, and will be responsible for the strategic priorities and resource allocation for all NHS organisations in Sussex. This will involve leading the improvement and integration of high-quality health and care services for all communities. I am very pleased Adam Doyle is leading this new venture as its CEO, bringing his expertise over from the CCG, whose function has been absorbed into NHS Sussex.
Our Integrated Care Partnership will be known as the Sussex Health and Care Assembly and will act as a joint committee between the NHS and local government, including West Sussex County Council. The Assembly will have the responsibility to develop an ‘integrated care strategy’ and drive forward better outcomes, equality of access, and experience of health and care services for all of us in Sussex.
As the health minister with responsibility for integration, I have been working on this rollout to deliver our key priorities of improving population health and healthcare; tackling unequal outcomes and access; enhancing productivity and value for money; helping the NHS to support broader social and economic development. I am extremely grateful to everyone involved locally across the health and care sector for their support and hard work to make these important changes a reality.
