Responding to the DHSC announcement on the reintegration of NHS England and restructuring of Integrated Care Boards, Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said:
“Councils remain committed to working collaboratively with health partners to ensure that we retain a steadfast focus on the outcomes needed by the communities we serve and for people to live healthy and well.
"The actions taken by health partners have direct implications for local government and local people. We repeatedly hear about the adverse impact on local authority budgets, the essential services they provide, and their residents due to the difficult decisions being made by NHS partners.
"It is paramount that we work constructively together and seize the opportunities presented in the 10-year plan. But to do this, the vital role of local government must be recognised. The development of a neighbourhood health service is a great example of this – the NHS cannot deliver a healthier more equitable society by working on its own. It's about the conditions in which people are born, grow live, work and age. Strong relationships between local government, health and voluntary and community sector leaders will be key to its success.”
Notes to Editors
DHSC: Billions to be redirected back into patient care with NHS reform