Two commissioning support units – covering a total of 24 clinical commissioning groups – have decided to merge, it was revealed today.
Greater Manchester commissioning support unit (CSU) and Cheshire and Merseyside CSU will create a new organisation spanning a population of more than five million across the North West.
The CSUs have reassured clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) that there will be no change to the way that services are delivered.
Two commissioning support units – covering a total of 24 clinical commissioning groups – have decided to merge, it was revealed today.
Greater Manchester commissioning support unit (CSU) and Cheshire and Merseyside CSU will create a new organisation spanning a population of more than five million across the North West.
The CSUs have reassured clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) that there will be no change to the way that services are delivered.
With a combined income of more than £80 million, the CSUs aim to combine "expertise, experience and learning" to develop improved services for clients.
The CSUs believe the merger will enable the potential for "large scale transformational support" across the North West, starting with the creation of a single Executive Director Team by April 2014.
Each executive director will have a portfolio across both organisations to enable clear, consistent and focused leadership during the "managed move" towards one single organisation.
The CSUs have also stated the merger will allow them to grow into new markets and attract investment and partnerships. They are currently in advanced conversations with high profile commercial organisations working in the national and international healthcare arena.
Clients appear to welcome the move. Denis Gizzi, managing director of Oldham CCG, said: “We are a relatively small organisation in terms of management infrastructure, with around 45 staff, yet we’re accountable for spending approximately £400m to look after the health of 230,000 people.
“The CSU helps advise and support us so we can focus our leadership on securing the best outcomes for patients and improving the quality of services.”
'Formidable presence'
Leigh Griffin, managing director of Greater Manchester CSU said: “This is an ambitious move which will secure our place as a significant player in the North West health and social care economy and a give us a formidable national presence.
“There is great opportunity now to bring together our expertise, experience and learning so we can help support our clients to transform the health and social care sector to meet the challenges it faces.”
Tim Andrews, managing director of Cheshire and Merseyside CSU, said: “Our clients are at the forefront of some of the most challenging issues the NHS and social care have ever had to face.
“The exciting and innovative changes they’re pioneering in the way services are delivered will improve the quality and effectiveness of care, as well as ensuring much better coordination and collaboration across different organisations.
“The merger of our two organisations means we can help answer this challenge much more effectively by drawing on the considerable combined talents of the teams across the region.”
Both organisations claim they will retain all offerings while "exploiting the benefits that a larger commissioning support organisation can offer".
Late last year it was revealed that Central Midlands CSU – which covers Birmingham and the Black Country – and Staffordshire and Lancashire CSU are considering forming a single organisation.
South London, North West London and Kent and Medway CSUs are also considering a merger.