How the NHS in West Berkshire is run, and what the BOB ICB does for you

When we talk about “the NHS in West Berkshire”, most of us think of our local GP, Royal Berkshire Hospital, or West Berkshire Community Hospital in Thatcham, but behind all these services sits the organisation responsible for planning and funding most NHS care in our area.

The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, often shortened to BOB ICB. (From April 2026, will be changing to Thames Valley ICB)

What is BOB ICB?

BOB ICB is one of 42 Integrated Care Boards across England. It brings together health and care leaders to plan services, decide where money is spent, and make sure NHS care meets the needs of local people.

The BOB area covers:

• Buckinghamshire

• Oxfordshire

• Berkshire West — which includes West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham

This means West Berkshire residents benefit from being part of a larger system, sharing resources and expertise while still keeping a local focus.

What it does for West Berkshire

BOB ICB looks after:

• GP and primary care services – supporting your local practices and Primary Care Networks

• Community and mental health services – such as those run by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

• Hospital care – including services provided at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and West Berkshire Community Hospital

• Continuing Healthcare (CHC) – funding care for people with significant long-term health needs

• Safeguarding – making sure adults and children are protected from harm

• Clinical policies and special funding – deciding how treatments are prioritised and managing individual funding requests for specialist care

• 
  

Working in partnership

BOB ICB doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a wider Integrated Care System (ICS), which includes:

• Local councils like West Berkshire Council

• The voluntary and community sector

• Public health teams

• Healthwatch West Berkshire and other community voices

  
  

Together, these partners plan health and care services that focus not just on treating illness, but also on helping people live healthier lives.

Listening to local people

The ICB runs regular consultations and surveys to understand what matters most to residents. For example, the recent “Primary Care Conversation” invited people across West Berkshire to share their experiences of accessing GPs, pharmacies and community health services, and feedback from these conversations helps shape how services are delivered in future.

BOB ICB also produces newsletters and updates that include news specific to West Berkshire, such as improvements to urgent care, vaccination programmes, and long-term condition support.

Challenges and priorities

Recently, like most NHS organisations, BOB ICB has faced significant pressures , from rising demand and staff shortages to financial constraints, but its priorities for West Berkshire include:

• Making access to GPs and community care easier

• Supporting people to manage long-term conditions

• Improving mental health and wellbeing services

• Reducing health inequalities, particularly in rural areas

• Working more closely with local councils and community groups

  
  

How you can get involved

Your views really do make a difference, and BOB ICB offer various ways you can get involved. You can:

• Take part in public consultations and surveys via yourvoicebob-icb.uk.engagementhq.com

• Attend public meetings of the BOB Integrated Care Partnership

• Sign up for the BOB ICB newsletter

• Share your experiences with Healthwatch West Berkshire , where we make sure your voice is heard by those designing and delivering care in our area.

Healthwatch West Berkshire  is your independent service, and we will continue to listen to residents, share your experiences, and ensure your experiences help to shape the services you need and use.