10. Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent
ICS to be developed
The NHS ten-year long-term plan published in January 2019 stated includes the development of integrated care systems (ICS) across England, in which healthcare organisations, including acute, community and primary care, and social care and public health will work closely together. These ICS are to evolve from the STP areas and be in place by April 2021.
The chief executives of NHS England and NHS Improvement had already written to all STP leaders in October 2018, instructing them to come up with new five year STP plans by autumn 2019. The new five-year plans will replace those which were previously drawn up based on the previous five year funding settlement to 2020-21.
These new STP plans will now feed into the development of the ICS.
The ICS will develop either through a number of alliance contracts or through a single provider being in charge of integration of services - an integrated service provider (ICP).
For more information on ICS see our briefing page here.
NOTE: The information on this page relates to the original STP drawn up in 2016; much of the information is still relevant, however, and is likely to be part of any ICS.
What concerns have been raised about your STP?
Health planners are trying to reduce NHS deficits and think about ways to re-organise care. However getting the large deficit under control could prevent facilities being developed that can cope with the health and care social needs of local people.
Proposed changes
The closure of one of the three A&E departments in the county, with the A&E at Stafford Hospital most likely to close to be replaced with a 24 hour urgent care centre.
Closure of community hospitals. 168 beds have been closed at Cheadle, Bradwell, Longton and Haywood community hospitals, with their long term future in doubt.
Possible closure of Leek Moorlands hospital; there is an active campaign to save the hospital from closure.
Reconfiguration of minor injuries units is planned with 75% of the activity transferred to the community and 25% to local A&E.
Extra cost-saving
In official documents leaked to the HSJ and reported by the Independent, extra cost-cutting measures required by the Staffordshire area could include:
- Longer waiting times for elective care,
- Closure of wards and theatres
- Staffing cuts
- Ending funding for some treatments and prescriptions
- Delaying or avoiding funding newly approved treatments
For more information, see below.