The government has announced new measures to support Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) following two key reports.

The announcement follows the publication of the Hewitt Review and the recent Health and Social Care Select Committee (HSCC) Inquiry into the workings of the local health and care systems.

In response, the Department of Health and Social Care has set out measures that it will take while working with NHS England and local health and care systems, to support learning and improvement and join up care for patients and communities.

The government has committed to supporting local systems to adapt to NHS England’s new operating framework, working with HS England, local authorities and local health and care services to develop better information around funding for prevention services to inform future investment decisions, and providing greater certainty over budgets for local health and care systems.

Minister for care Helen Whately said: "Integrated care systems are already making a difference by bringing together local NHS organisations along with social care and the voluntary sector. We know that joined up care benefits patients and that’s exactly what ICSs are there to provide.

"We have listened to the reports and the actions we’re going to take, like reviewing how we reduce admin burdens on local systems, will build on the excellent work that ICSs are already doing."

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said: "Integrated care systems have the power to change the way the NHS provides care for people while working alongside local government to ensure people live healthier lives.

"Health systems across the country are already making a real impact and we will continue to support local areas to improve outcomes for patients."