The government has committed to a number of measures to support integrated care systems in response to two key reports.

The move follows the Hewitt Review of integrated care systems on 4 April and the recent Health and Social Care Committee Inquiry into local health and care systems.

Minister for care Helen Whately said: “Integrated care systems are already making a difference by bringing together local NHS organisations along with social care and the voluntary sector. We know that joined up care benefits patients and that’s exactly what ICSs are there to provide.

“We have listened to the reports and the actions we’re going to take, like reviewing how we reduce admin burdens on local systems, will build on the excellent work that ICSs are already doing.”

The government committed to:

• Outline the steps it will take working with NHS England and local health and care systems, to support learning and improvement and join up care for patients and communities. As part of this the department will review and streamline national targets to ensure that systems are able to focus on improving health for their populations
• Continue supporting local systems to adapt to NHS England’s new operating framework, which lays out the new roles NHS England, ICS and NHS providers will play in the wider health and care system
• Work with NHS England, local authorities and local health and care services to develop better information around funding for prevention services to inform future investment decisions
• Provide greater certainty over budgets for local health and care systems, by working to ensure reporting for small in-year funding pots is proportionate, freeing up time for planning and delivery of health and care to local people.

The commitments were welcomed by leading health and social care organisations.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, told us: “The review makes some important recommendations and the challenge will be to get them delivered across the entire country. What we need is a clear view about what citizen should expect from an integrated health and social care system, and really clear monitoring that this is being delivered at a local level. We must also see care providers as equal partners within the system and they must be part of the planning development and delivery process.” 

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said: “Ministers’ commitment to the continued development and success of ICSs is welcome, as is their recognition that decisions about who is best placed to deliver services and how should usually be made locally.

“The role that providers have to play whether within systems, in place-based partnerships or as provider collaboratives will be key to delivering on the promises this way of working offers.”