Responding to the National Audit Office Report on ‘Restructuring of Integrated Care Boards’, RCN Chief Nursing Officer Professor Lynn Woolsey said:

“The findings of this report lay bare the realities of dismantling years of work without adequate thought and planning.  Expert staff are crucial to delivering strategic commissioning and designing effective services. Their roles have been removed without robust arrangements for what will take their place. This is deeply irresponsible and puts care and patient safety at risk.

“Expert nursing staff shouldn’t have to face continued uncertainty over their futures. Ministers must now provide clarity on roles and responsibilities between NHSE regional teams and ICBs, with fully detailed plans for how skills will be retained and frontline services protected from this ongoing disruption.”

Ends

Notes to editors

National Audit Office - 'Restructuring of Integrated Care Boards'