The merger of CCGs has been contested locally in many areas, primarily because the loss of more local CCGs further limits the extent to which NHS management can be held accountable or pressed to respond to the health needs of specific communities.
Critics argue that the strategic objective of creating Integrated Care Systems also brings with it the threat of remote, unaccountable bodies, each tied to rigid cash limits (“control totals”) and led not by local needs but by private management consultants.
Merged CCGs covering vast geographical areas – and in some cases in excess of 2 million population – are unlikely to be more responsive to local pressure. Eliminating CCGs also cuts the links with many local council scrutiny committees.
Full story in The Lowdown, 28 September 2020