THE NATIONAL Health Service has announced major changes to the Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire Integrated Care Board have now taken effect.
The ICB is now being organised as the Thames Valley ICB, replacing both the BOB and Frimley care boards.
Care providers say that it reflects a “new national direction” for the NHS, aligning with both a new ‘Model ICB’ blueprint and a 10-year health plan as set out by the government–both aimed at enacting more consistent, population‑level planning and reducing unwarranted variation.
Despite the change, the way people access services will not be different; patients will continue to use their local GP, community services and hospitals as usual.
The ICB’s role is to strengthen what sits behind that, improving prevention, shifting more care closer to home, and making better use of digital tools that help people manage their own health.
A key priority for the new ICB will be ensuring that services are designed around need, not geography– including tackling health inequalities, supporting early intervention, and aiming to provide value for money across the system.
Integrated Care Boards are systems which provide planning and allocated funding for healthcare in their designated areas, working with hospitals and care providers.
The NHS confirmed in October last year that there would be some redundancies, but exactly how many has remained unconfirmed.
Dr Nick Broughton, Chief Executive of NHS Thames Valley, said “Today marks a new chapter for health and care across the Thames Valley.
“As a single strategic commissioner, we are now better positioned to plan services for the long term, reduce inequalities and ensure a more consistent experience for patients, wherever they live in our area.
“Our work will be supported by dedicated NHS staff and strong partnerships with local councils, voluntary and community organisations, primary care and our provider trusts.
“We are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent some communities from getting the care they need.
“Our goal is simple: we want to ensure consistent, high‑quality care and better outcomes for every resident across the Thames Valley.”
Information about the new Thames valley Integrated Care Board is available via the new website at: thamesvalley.icb.nhs.uk
