MP welcomes no change to existing boundaries to care system

Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS was one of 18 such organisations formed in May last year.

The ICS has the over-arching responsibility for ensuring the Hertfordshire and West Essex population gets the most from a £3.2bn combined health and care budget.

With a 56,000-strong workforce, the ICS provides clinical and professional leadership and ensures organisations pull in the same direction to help everyone - residents, service users, patients and staff - achieve their potential.

The ICS is responsible for setting the strategy and goals for improving health and care in the area and overseeing the quality and safety, decision making, governance and financial management of services.

The decision to maintain the existing boundary for Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS was announced on Thursday July 22 after a review across the country with some ICS boundaries altered to be more aligned with top-tier local authority areas.

Minister of State for Health Edward Argar said it had been decided to exempt the East of England region from the "principle of coterminosity".

Dame Eleanor said: "I am delighted that the Minister has listened to the points that my colleagues and I raised in the House of Commons and that there will be no changes made to the Hertfordshire and West Essex ICS which is already working hard for the people of Epping Forest, most recently on the amazing COVID-19 vaccination rollout."

Dame Eleanor added: "I have heard nothing but praise for the smooth running of the COVID-19 vaccination centre at The Murray Hall in Loughton and I can only echo these comments as I received both my vaccinations at the centre.

"The success of this is down to the ICS, and my thanks go to the ICS as well as the local partner organisations including Loughton Town Council, New City College, and the numerous vaccinators and volunteers who have all come together so well."