As Norfolk & Waveney ICB merges with Suffolk & North East Essex ICB to form a single NHS decision-making body, I’ve written to the Health Minister and the new Norfolk & Suffolk ICB to raise concerns shared with me by staff and patients.
They’ve spoken about growing pressures on services, safety risks, and unclear financial planning.
This reorganisation will shape how care is delivered across both counties, and it’s vital that local voices influence decisions to protect services and patient wellbeing.
I’ll continue to press for clarity, accountability, and a focus on patient care.
Here’s the text of the letter:
Re: Integrated Care Board Concerns
Dear Minister and Norfolk & Suffolk ICB Leadership,
I am writing in response to the Minister’s letter of 5th September 2023, ‘Update on Norfolk and Suffolk ICB Concerns’. As the Member of Parliament for a constituency affected by the proposed creation of this new Norfolk and Suffolk ICB, I have been gathering local reservations and concerns on behalf of NHS staff, patients, and local stakeholders.
The decision to abolish Norfolk ICS and Suffolk ICS has drawn fears that key personnel who are intrinsic to delivery in East Anglia’s NHS are being removed from course. These concerns have been raised directly with me by representatives of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Unison, as well as by local patients who require the current ICS structure.
1. Impact on Patients and Staff
Patient Safety and Access to Care
Staff fear that under the new governance, services such as surge management into crisis beds delivery, reduced bed occupancy rates, and waiting times will be negatively impacted. How will the new ICB ensure these patient safety issues are addressed?
Staff Morale, Workload, and Retention
Unions report that morale is extremely low, with staff feeling overworked and facing further reductions. What measures will be taken to support staff wellbeing and prevent further loss of experienced professionals?
Local Oversight and Community Needs
The new ICB will cover areas with diverse needs, including seasonal employment, rural infrastructure, and different transport links. How will the ICB maintain local input and ensure services remain tailored to community needs?
Engagement with Staff and Unions
Both RCN and Unison have expressed concern about the lack of meaningful consultation. Will the Department/ICB commit to increased engagement with frontline staff and unions throughout the restructuring and transition period?
Clinical Leadership and Reduced Bed Base Risks
The RCN has raised serious concerns about the loss of Clinical Nursing Officers in the new ICB. How will clinical leadership be retained, given that bed base reductions are also proposed?
2. Additional Concerns
Redundancy Costs and Financial Planning
In a recent meeting held at my Norwich office with a Senior Manager [NHS], redundancies were mentioned as being likely, alongside wider cost shifts.