Glossop is to become part of the Derbyshire Integrated Care System, despite concerns and opposition to the move. 

The decision, announced by the government, comes just weeks after the idea was first proposed, with limited consultation undertaken. 

Integrated Care Systems will replace Clinical Commissioning Groups from April next year. Glossop is part of the Tameside and Glossop CCG and was due to be part of the Manchester ICS.  

The government has decided that ICS boundaries should follow local authority boundaries, to allow for closer integration and cooperation between the NHS and the social care system. 

Derbyshire County Council, who provide social care and public health across the county, successfully pushed for Glossop to be part of the Derbyshire ICS, arguing it would provide best value for money and efficient services for Derbyshire residents. 

In a letter outlining the decision, Edward Argar MP, Minister of State for Health, has reassured Glossop residents that they will continue to access the same hospital and referral pathways as they do now. 

The Minister also confirmed that allocating resources to each ICS will continue to be determined by NHS England in the same way as allocations are currently made to CCGs. 

The Minister also stressed that the benefits of this change mean that the unique priorities of Glossop’s communities are to be better supported in the Derbyshire ICS, which shares similar demographics and includes the rest of the High Peak area. 

Tameside Hospital will remain the local hospital for Glossopdale residents, politicians insist 

High Peak MP Robert Largan said: “I’m disappointed with the decision to move Glossop from Tameside to Derbyshire for healthcare. 

“I passionately made the case to Ministers, supporting the view of local GPs, NHS staff, and residents, that Glossop should remain with Tameside. 

“However, I want to reassure residents that, despite scaremongering from some quarters, this decision will not mean patients will have to travel to Chesterfield for treatment. Tameside Hospital will remain the local hospital for Glossop. 

“Ministers have also confirmed that this decision will not impact the funding available to our local NHS, and that funding will be allocated in the same way as they are allocated now with Clinical Commissioning Groups. 

“My focus will be on working closely with all local health authorities, to ensure High Peak residents get the best possible care. I will continue to fight for a new urgent care centre for Tameside Hospital too.” 

Councillor Carol Hart, DCC’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “We very much welcome this decision by the Secretary of State to recognise Derbyshire a single place, reflecting the unique identity of our county and people. 

“This decision to create a single Derbyshire Integrated Care System will remove all of the duplication, inefficiency and confusion for residents that comes with working in multiple complex arrangements. 

“Under the new arrangements social care services and the NHS will work even more closely together meaning that residents can experience health care as one seamless service, with their needs placed at the centre, and we can more effectively promote health and well-being across the local population. 

“I know that people will want to know what this means for the health and social care services they receive and certainly in the short and medium term nothing will change. This is about future services and making the best possible use of public money.” 

We will bring you more reaction to this news. 

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