Simon Banks, Chief Officer of NHS Wirral CCG introduced this report. On 26th November 2020 NHS England/Improvement (NHSE/I) published ‘Integrating Care: Next steps to building strong and effective integrated care systems across England’ which set out proposals for legislative reform and focused on the operational direction of travel for the NHS from 2021 onwards.  The report summarised the proposals. The public consultation closed on 8 January and a response was submitted that due regard should be given to Wirral as a place with the local authority continuing to have a role in partnership, with strategic leadership though Wirral Health and Care Commissioning Board.

Members debated the issue and strong concerns were expressed at the lack of detail of the implications of changes, the potential reduction of scrutiny and the lack of opportunity for users to have their voices heard, although there was a legal duty to consult. There was also concern at the amount of jargon in the consultation document and at the lack of opportunity to affect the outcome of the proposals.

Members also asked about particular aspects of the proposals. They were reassured that services would remain free at the point of delivery and that lobbying continued to ensure that the Council area was still distinct.

Councillor Sarah Spoor proposed an amendment which was seconded by Councillor Christine Muspratt. This was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED - That the report be noted and the Partnership Committee will continue to return to this crucial piece of work to enable us to scrutinise the effectiveness of the proposals so that we can see that they are turning into effective actions which will ensure that improvements in the health and well being of our residents takes place and that serious health inequalities that exist in our Borough are tackled and ended.