Three CCGs could be merged against the wishes of the local clinical commissioners, it has been revealed.
Dr Johnathan Wells, chair of Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG said there had been “whisperings” in the NHS about merging the groups to create a Worcester-wide body.
However, he said he is “vehemently opposed” to the idea, believing it would drastically reduce local influence.
Three CCGs could be merged against the wishes of the local clinical commissioners, it has been revealed.
Dr Johnathan Wells, chair of Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG said there had been “whisperings” in the NHS about merging the groups to create a Worcester-wide body.
However, he said he is “vehemently opposed” to the idea, believing it would drastically reduce local influence.
The suggestions had made him lose confidence that CCGs will survive long term, according to a blog posted on the Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG website.
He said: “History is against us with recurrent reorganisations in the NHS. It was because [our CCG] exists as a distinct body that we were able to… continue our fight for the best possible outcome for our local hospital, and our work on community services such as the virtual ward.”
Dr Wells said that improved community engagement could protect the CCG from political intervention.
“There is not enough local knowledge of the CCG amongst our population, and six public meetings a year, however interactive, can only play a minor part in this.
“We need the support of our patients; I hope that our local population will think we are doing a good job and get behind the CCG as an organisation.”