The NHS is undergoing significant structural reforms, including plans to reduce the number of ICBs from 42 to between 23 and 28, alongside a 50% cut in their running costs. These changes are part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and address financial challenges within the health service.
ICBs have been instructed to submit plans to operate within reduced budgets by 31 May 2025, with the expectation that these changes will be implemented between October and December 2025.
What’s happening across the regions?
- Midlands: 11 ICBs likely consolidating to 5 or 6
- South West: 7 expected to shrink to 3
- East: 6 reducing to 2 or 3
- London and the North: Could be minimal change
This will no doubt have a major impact on the NHS - staff morale will be at an all time low and service provision could be affected as it has been suggested 12,500 ICB roles and over 100,000 NHS jobs could be affected by the restructuring.