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Integrated Care System

The VCSE is a key strategic partner in the development of the ICS.

The ICS is a partnership of NHS organisations, local authorities, the VCSE Sector and others to take collective responsibility for planning services, improving health and reducing inequalities across the county.

Together we are making an important contributions in shaping services to tackle health inequalities in Worcestershire.

In early 2024 the previous procurement rules for NHS and local authority funded health care services were replaced by the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 have come into force on 1 January 2024.

By working together ICS member organisations aim to deliver more joined-up support and services within communities to address health inequalities and improve public health. The ICS exists to achieve four overarching objectives:

  • Improve outcomes in population health and healthcare
  • Tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience and access
  • Enhance productivity and value for money
  • Help the NHS support broader social and economic development

VCSE Worcestershire Alliance and The Integrated Care System have committed to new ways of working together based on a set of shared values and commitments laid out in this Memorandum of Understanding.  

Memorandum of Understanding Download

 Our system is made up of –

  • A new statutory NHS body
  • Three NHS Trusts
  • Seven Local Authorities
  • 15 Primary Care Networks
  • 80 GP Practices
  • 123 Community Pharmacies
  • 96 Dentists 
  • 64 Optometrists

Key facts – 

  • Two counties, each with a Healthwatch
  • More than £1.5bn public spend
  • 800,000 people served
  • Over 2000 VCSE organisations
  • Nearly 20,000 staff in statutory sector bodies
Integrated Care System map

You can learn more about the part the VCSE is playing the ICS in this white paper –

Building strong integrated care systems everywhere. ICS implementation guidance on partnerships with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

Watch this animation from The Kings Fund to see how organisations are collaborating to deliver joined-up care.

Full detail of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System can be found here.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System