A system-wide service reconfiguration is being discussed by West Norfolk clinical commissioning group (CCG), which faces a £50 million funding gap by 2021.
Phase one of the CCG’s System Sustainability Programme has recently been completed, confirming that the long-term future of the local health economy is only viable through system redesign and enhancing integrated care.
A system-wide service reconfiguration is being discussed by West Norfolk clinical commissioning group (CCG), which faces a £50 million funding gap by 2021.
Phase one of the CCG’s System Sustainability Programme has recently been completed, confirming that the long-term future of the local health economy is only viable through system redesign and enhancing integrated care.
The next phase involves further work with health and social partners and the voluntary sector to design a ‘blueprint’ for future service configurations.
Funding for the next stage of this work has been requested from NHS England. The local newspaper has reported that £200,000 will be donated to support the work.
Locally, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is reporting a year end deficit of £11 million and has been placed on special measures by the regulator, Monitor.
Dr Sue Crossman, chief officer of West Norfolk CCG, said the plans represent a positive opportunity to redesign and shape healthcare services.
She said: "We will be involving the public at every stage of these plans to ensure we reflect the needs of local people and there will be various opportunities for patients, carers and the public to share their thoughts with us.
"We are already leading an Alliance of providers and commissioners across health and social care, whose purpose is to deliver improved, integrated services for the population of West Norfolk. We believe this approach has the opportunity to offer future national learning on the challenges facing local healthcare economies."
