Gloucestershire’s health authorities are preparing for significant changes that could reduce non-clinical staff roles amid plans to merge with neighboring counties. A national framework has been introduced outlining how integrated care boards (ICBs) will shift responsibilities to neighborhood providers and NHS regional bodies.
Since replacing clinical commissioning groups in 2022, ICBs have been responsible for planning and managing NHS services within their areas. Gloucestershire currently operates its own relatively small ICB, but health officials were informed on May 8 that this may soon change due to its size.
The central government aims to cut ICB running costs by roughly 50% and reduce non-clinical leadership positions by half. During a Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust board meeting, Chief Executive Kevin McNamara described these coming reforms as a major undertaking for the county.
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“The size and structure of ICBs directly affect our operations,” McNamara explained. “Gloucestershire’s ICB is smaller compared to others nationally. Discussions are ongoing about how ICBs might cluster and integrate over the coming months.”
NHS England has released updated guidance clarifying health authorities’ roles and responsibilities. The new blueprint specifies which tasks should remain with ICBs, be handled by local providers, or transferred to regional entities.
McNamara warned that substantial reductions in headcount are anticipated. “There will be human impacts across the board,” he said. “We’re collaborating closely with colleagues at the ICB and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust to navigate these changes.”
To manage this transition, the organization has implemented a freeze on non-clinical vacancies unless roles directly affect patient or staff safety or are deemed critical. “The situation is evolving rapidly, with new guidance arriving frequently,” McNamara added.
He also noted opportunities for NHS efficiency improvements in Gloucestershire, mentioning that several corporate back-office functions currently overlap across agencies.
During the meeting, Professor Sally Moyle raised concerns about local government reorganization and devolution, asking if these factors were being considered in health service planning. McNamara assured that health services are striving to ensure future configurations remain flexible and not constrained by changes in local government structures.
A spokesperson for NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board emphasized that any structural changes will not disrupt day-to-day healthcare services. The ICB will continue to play a vital strategic role, focusing on improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
“While the ICB footprint is likely to expand to meet cost reduction and strategic commissioning objectives, strong local partnerships and place-based arrangements will remain essential,” the spokesperson added.
They confirmed that NHS England is leading the process, with close alignment to local government priorities, and that existing healthcare services in homes, GP surgeries, communities, and hospitals will continue uninterrupted.