HEALTH leaders are seeking the views of residents and organisations on proposals to create a single strategic commissioning organisation for Cheshire as part of an ongoing conversation about the future of the local NHS.

The aim is to help CCG staff work together more effectively and efficiently to plan and buy services that are available equally to people across the county, and to make the best use of money available to the local NHS.

Chief Officer Clare Watson said: “Having a single CCG would benefit local people by providing consistency and reducing duplication, both for ourselves as health service commissioners and for the hospitals, community and mental health service providers we buy from.

“The proposed merger would benefit more than 700,000 people by raising standards across all providers and by reducing variation in quality of care and access to services.

“The move to a single Cheshire CCG will happen hand in hand with the development of two Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs) in Cheshire West and Cheshire East that will bring together NHS organisations with our Local Authorities to join up health and social care services around the needs of people.

“Place-based commissioning and the proposed single strategic Cheshire CCG would ensure that a strong local voice continues to shape the planning and buying of services.

“The approach would also ensure that we tackle local health issues while making sure everyone has access to the same high-quality healthcare.

The four Cheshire CCGs – Eastern Cheshire, South Cheshire, Vale Royal and West Cheshire - have been working closely together for the last 18 months, establishing a Joint Commissioning Committee that has sped up decision making on services that are provided in the same way across Cheshire.

The Governing Bodies of the four CCGs believe the time is now right to create a single strategic CCG for Cheshire.

For more information visit the website.

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