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Health Services

Asked by Charlie DewhirstConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 18 November 2025UIN 89158

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set (a) the role of Integrated Health Organisations (IHOs) and (b) how IHOs will align with (i) integrated care boards and (ii) neighbourhood health plans.

Answered by Karin Smyth

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, the very best foundation trusts will have the opportunity to be eligible for designation as integrated health organisations (IHOs).

An IHO will hold the whole health budget for a local population. IHOs will be required to support integration, shift resources from hospital to community, focus on population health and tackle inequalities.

Guidance for providers on IHO designation is available at the following link:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/advanced-foundation-trust-programme-guide-for-applicants-annex-2/

Further guidance on the implementation of IHOs will be published by NHS England shortly.

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