Overview

Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) are place-based partnerships which have four fundamental purposes:

1. Improving population health and healthcare

2. Tackling unequal outcomes and access

3. Enhancing productivity and value for money

4. Helping the NHS to support broader social and economic development.

When you hear the phrase Integrated Care System, it is easiest to think about the geographic area across which health and care services will be organised. So, the ICS is a geographic area rather than one specific organisation. The ICS can be a huge area and cover a population of up to 3 million people. That is why, underneath the “system” level (the big geographic area) the NHS and other partners will be working at a local authority and neighbourhood level to understand the needs of that large group of people.

They are tasked with developing stronger partnerships with others outside of the ‘system’ such as the VCSE sector, housing and education with a focus on population (aka public) health and reducing health inequalities.