Introducing the Integrated Care System (ICS)

The way the healthcare services are planned and purchased in Newcastle and the whole of England has changed. The Integrated Care System replaced the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).  On 1 July 2022, the new ways of working were formally established, with the creation of 42 statutory integrated care systems.

What is the Integrated Care System (ICS)?

Integrated care systems are local partnerships made up of all the public services that provide health and care in your local area: the NHS, GPs, local councils and the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector. These new ways of working will help deliver important priorities, including addressing the COVID backlogs, improving access to primary and urgent care and tackling health inequalities.

How the NHS framework will change to create Integrated Care Systems

Easy Read information by Inclusion North

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System

The new Integrated Care System will strengthen existing partnerships between local health and care organisations and their work to deliver more joined-up care, reduce bureaucracy and improve the health of their residents. By taking a holistic, collaborative approach they can help more people stay healthy and can take better care of those who need services.

Integrated Care Board (ICB)

A short animation about the Integrated Care Board for North East and North Cumbria (NENC) has been created to explain their ambitions to work with councils and and many other partners to improve health and care across the region

How to get involved to help improve health services

GP Patient Participation Group (PPG)

You can get involved with the planning in the NHS by joining your GP Patient Participation Group (PPG).  These groups are a great opportunity for patients to share experiences of health and healthcare services and influence future decisions. If you would like to join your local PPG contact the Practice Manager in your own GP practice.

Get involved with the ICS engagement teams

You can help improve health services by joining one of  the local involvement meetings.  This will give you the chance to feedback on whether you feel they meet patient needs and give your views on their work.  You can find out more about their development plans at these meetings and help to influence the future priorities. Sessions include:

• Patient Forums
• Community Forum
• Governing Body Meetings

Read more on patient and public engagement in the Integrated Care System in Newcastle

Useful information

Read more about Having your say about health services on InformationNOW.

The alternative guide to NHS The King’s Fund has produced an animated guide to the NHS. The six-minute video paints a clear picture of the new health structures.

Last updated: October 7, 2022