BMA May 2019
- ICSs are a new way of planning and organising the delivery of health and care services in England. They bring together NHS, local authority, and third sector bodies to take on collective responsibility for the resources and health of the population of a defined area, with the aim of delivering better, more integrated care for patients. The model is seen by NHS leaders as the next step for health and care integration in England, with every area in the country now expected to be covered by an ICS by 2021.
- This briefing sets out BMA policy on ICSs and establishes five principles for ICSs and any other model of integration if they are to be successful. The five principles are:
- ensure the pay and conditions of all NHS staff are fully protected
- protect the partnership model of general practice and GPs’ independent contractor status
- only be pursued with demonstrable engagement with frontline clinicians and the public, and must allow local stakeholders to meaningfully and constructively challenge plans
- be given proper funding and time to develop, with patient care and the integration of services
- prioritised ahead of financial imperatives and savings
- be operated by NHS bodies, free from competition and privatisation
