What the New NHS Thames Valley ICB Means for You

This April, the NHS organisations that plan and pay for health services across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire have come together as NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB).

The new ICB will support around 2.5 million residents across the Thames Valley. Importantly, there is no change to how you access NHS services.

“Patients and the public will continue to access care and services in exactly the same way as before.” NHS Thames Valley ICB

Why is this happening?

Integrated Care Boards were set up nationally in 2022 to help NHS organisations work more closely with councils, voluntary groups and communities. Government decisions since then have strengthened ICBs’ role as strategic commissioners—organisations that plan services over the long term to improve health, reduce inequalities and ensure fair access to care.

The creation of NHS Thames Valley ICB also follows national changes that ask ICBs to work more efficiently and focus on prevention and joined‑up care.

What will Thames Valley ICB focus on?

The new ICB has set out three main priorities:

• Better value for patients and communities – focusing on outcomes that matter most, not just activity.

• More joined‑up local care – connecting GP practices, community services, mental health, social care and voluntary organisations to help people stay well and independent.

• Preventing ill health earlier – with early priorities including heart disease and stroke, obesity and diabetes, and children and young people’s mental health.

“The scale of the challenge ahead requires collective energy, shared ambition and strong collaboration.” Priya Singh, Chair, NHS Thames Valley ICB

Healthwatch West Berkshire’s role

At Healthwatch West Berkshire, we will continue to:

• Listen to people’s experiences of health and care services

• Share what matters to local people with NHS decision‑makers

• Champion involvement and engagement in any future service changes

“Any future changes to services should be shaped with communities, not done to them.” Healthwatch West Berkshire

We welcome the ICB’s commitment that any future changes will involve the public, local authorities, the voluntary sector and wider partners.

As this new organisation takes shape, we’ll keep you informed and make sure your voice is heard.

For more information about the ICB, visit www.thamesvalley.icb.nhs.uk