The NHS is getting rid of CCGs: what we know so far

The NHS has released its "priorities and operational planning guidance for 2021 to 2022".

The headline feature of it is changing the way that the NHS in England plans to go about structuring its referrals to enable Integrated Care Systems or ICSs

The NHSs intended aims for this are:
• Improving outcomes in population health and healthcare
• Tackling inequalities in outcomes, experience and access
• Enhancing productivity and value for money; and
• Helping the NHS to support broader social and economic development.

At a local level, "CCG functions will be subsumed into the ICS NHS body" and "direct commissioning functions will be transferred or delegated to ICSs."

The major change that you will feel in the short term is you will be asked 'to direct referrals to HES instead of via GPs'

This will be implamented by the use of of electronic eye care referrals (EeRS) where procured.
The intention is To allow you to send referrals and large image files between primary care optometry and hospital eye services. The aim of this service is "to overcome the barriers to the consistent commissioning of extended primary eye care services"

There are a few other things included in the proposal for eyecare:

implementation of digitally supported services such as video
consultations and virtually reported diagnostics only assessments

implementing or accessing a digital diagnostic hub that provides a range of services across eye care pathways and referrals

developing plans for longer term integrated digital diagnostic and care capabilities, such as a digital diagnostic hub that provides a range of services across eye care pathways and referrals

To find out more I spoke with LOCSU optical leads Nizz Sabir and Zoe Richmond, about the upcoming changes



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