Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

NHS Integrated Care System Boundaries

29 June 2021 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about nhs integrated care system boundaries in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The debate focuses on proposed reorganisation of NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) boundaries in England.
  • MP Bernard Jenkin criticises the lack of transparency in recent NHS England consultations and the exclusion of MPs from roundtable discussions.
  • The Minister commits to consulting MPs before making any decisions on ICS boundaries and assures meetings with concerned MPs.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

The debate addresses the proposed reorganisation of NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) boundaries in England, with a focus on their alignment with local authority social care boundaries. MP Bernard Jenkin questions the transparency and adequacy of recent consultations by NHS England, noting that MPs were excluded from roundtable discussions hosted by Tricordant. He highlights how proposed changes could disrupt successful existing ICS arrangements, such as the Suffolk and North East Essex ICS, which has been praised for its effective place-based working. Jenkin argues against imposing coterminosity boundaries now when the NHS is still recovering from the pandemic impact, emphasising that stability in healthcare infrastructure is crucial for service recovery.

Other contributors (3)
  • Theresa May Con Maidenhead

    Expresses concern about breaking up the Frimley ICS, which serves east Berkshire and parts of Hampshire and Surrey. Theresa May argues that it works well across county boundaries and aligns with natural healthcare geographies.

  • Edward Argar Con Chelmsford

    Acknowledges the debate's importance and reiterates the Government's commitment to listening to MPs' concerns. He highlights that no decisions have been made regarding ICS boundaries and commits to consulting Members before any decision is taken.

  • Eleanor Laing Con Epping Forest

    Expresses gratitude for the Minister's response, acknowledging its significance.

Government Response

Edward Argar

The Minister acknowledges the concerns raised and commits to consulting MPs before making any decisions on ICS boundaries. He highlights that coterminous boundaries can support more joined-up working between NHS and local government but emphasises that nothing is predetermined in specific situations. The Minister assures that no decisions have been made regarding the outcome of the ICS boundary review and confirms a commitment to meet with concerned MPs, including Bernard Jenkin and Theresa May, before proceeding further.

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