On 1 April, responsibility for 70 specialised services moved from NHS England to Integrated Care Boards. 

The delegation of these services to ICBs is part of a wider shift towards a more strategic, whole population approach to commissioning that aligns with the government’s priorities for the NHS. 

Taking on the responsibility for commissioning 70 specialised services across north central London brings great opportunities. This change will enable NCL ICB to increase investment in prevention of ill health and better manage future demand as well as support shifts in care from acute to community settings, improve integration, and design services that better enable underserved communities to access care.

In north central London, to support this change, NCL ICB is finalising a comprehensive clinical strategy to guide the ICB’s approach to prioritising and addressing inequalities in specialised services. The approach is aligned with the NCL Population Health and Integrated Care Strategy. The initial focus is on liver disease, renal services and sickle cell disease – all areas where we have already made significant improvements.

For more information visit the NCL ICB website.