Three CCGs in north England have taken steps to merge from April 2018 to strengthen local commissioning services, creating the largest CCG in England.
NHS South Sefton, NHS Southport and Formby and NHS Liverpool CCGs have said the move will allow commissioners to use resources and clinical leadership more efficiently.
The merger has been in the discussion stages since November 2016 as the three CCGs already work together as the North Mersey area of the Cheshire and Merseyside sustainability and transformation plan.
Three CCGs in north England have taken steps to merge from April 2018 to strengthen local commissioning services, creating the largest CCG in England.
NHS South Sefton, NHS Southport and Formby and NHS Liverpool CCGs have said the move will allow commissioners to use resources and clinical leadership more efficiently.
The merger has been in the discussion stages since November 2016 as the three CCGs already work together as the North Mersey area of the Cheshire and Merseyside sustainability and transformation plan.
Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: ‘Together we believe we will be able to do more to improve the health of our populations, by maximising our collective resources and assets to strengthen our work as commissioners during this challenging time for the NHS.’
Dr Andrew Mimnagh, chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, added that the merger will only work if the local focus is maintained by working closely with the CCGs’ member GP practices, council partners, wider communities and populations.
The CCGs’ member practices and NHS England will need to formally approve the merger, with talks beginning next month.
Dr Nadim Fazlani, chair of NHS Liverpool CCG, said: ‘By retaining the local talent, skills, experience and focus of the existing organisations, our patients will benefit from a stronger CCG, capable of meeting the challenges we’re facing in the NHS, to ensure we continue to commission high quality healthcare into the future.’
