Overview
NHS England has published a blueprint indicating that digital leadership and transformation roles may be shifted from Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to healthcare providers. This move aims to reduce ICB overheads by 50%.
Key Points
- Over 18 functions are under review for transfer, including digital leadership.
- The transition is supported by a national data and digital infrastructure.
- General Practice IT may also be moved out of ICBs to ensure a consistent offering.
- Population health management functions will remain with ICBs for future growth and investment.
- ICB board levels will see a reduction in headcount to focus on core responsibilities.
Expert Opinions
Lee Rickles, Chief Information Officer at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration within integrated care systems to prevent localized tribalism during this transition.
Gary McAllister, Chief Technology Officer at Dell Technologies, expressed concerns that this shift could hinder economies of scale across the NHS, stating:
“ICBs support all care domains, not just providers, and therefore digital leadership is required across all sectors of the NHS.”
Future Steps
No specific timelines have been provided for the implementation of these changes. NHS England plans to collaborate with partners to develop the next steps in the coming months.
Additional Functions Under Review
Other functions being considered for transfer from ICBs include:
- Workforce development
- Primary care oversight
- Provider performance management
- Research and innovation
- Sustainability initiatives
- Data management and processing
- Infection prevention and control
- Safeguarding
- Development of partnerships
- Medicines optimization
- Service development programs
- NHS continuing healthcare
- Estates and infrastructure strategy
- Emergency preparedness and response
Conclusion
Glen Burley, Financial Reset Director at NHS England, noted that the blueprint is a preliminary step in a broader initiative to reshape ICB roles and functions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to eliminate duplication and achieve significant cost savings.