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Integrated Care Boards: Rural Areas

Asked by Dr Roz SavageLiberal DemocratDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 6 January 2026UIN 102341

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has assessed the potential impact of ICB mergers on continuity and access in rural and semi-rural areas.

Answered by Karin Smyth

Across larger integrated care board (ICB) footprints there will be a renewed focus on the local level as part of our commitment to delivering care closer to home, and this includes rural and semi rural areas. As outlined in our 10-Year Health Plan, neighbourhood health plans will be created and will be brought together as part of the ICBs’ plans to improve population health locally.

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