Agenda item - NHS Change April 2026

Report of Surrey & Sussex Integrated Care Board (copy attached)

33.1    This item was presented by Tanya Brown-Griffith, NHS Surrey & Sussex Director for Joint Commissioning and Integrated Community Teams-Brighton and Hove. Ms Brown-Griffith provided an update on recent NHS changes and developments, including the merger of Surrey and Sussex Integrated Care Boards into one Surrey and Sussex ICB from 1^st April and with a significantly reduced commissioning posts headcount to fit the reduced financial envelop.

33.2    Cllr Parrott asked how commissioning staff have coped with the reductions in staffing. Ms Brown-Griffith replied that as expected any consultation where there is this significant reduction would be disruptive and impacted staff negatively, leading to a spike in sickness rates. However, there is a comprehensive stall wellbeing support offer available. The filling of posts commences in May 2026.

33.3    The Chair asked about what changes would be experienced by people locally. Ms Brown-Griffith responded that the impact is on staff not services commissioned but that there will be less local commissioner capacity available. ICBs are moving to a strategic commissioning model which will be longer term and more focused on outcomes and will reduce  its role in delivery forums. Providers will be required to step into some of the spaces currently occupied by commissioners.

33.4    Cllr Winder asked about impacts on patient travel time. Ms Brown-Griffith replied that there would be no impacts from the commissioning changes. However, a major service review is imminently expected, and this may include changes that increase or reduce some patient travel times.

33.5    RESOLVED – that the report be noted.