Jane Hunt MP asked:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of further integration between all areas of primary care.
The Rt Hon Edward Argar MP, Minister of State, responded:
The NHS Long Term Plan described the role of Primary Care Networks, which establish a basis for more collaborative working, expanded capability and the ability to proactively co-ordinate care for neighbourhood-based populations. Primary care is an important part of integrated care systems and will continue to deliver care to local communities, in partnership with health and care services in the area. The Health and Care Bill will enable the direct commissioning functions of NHS England to be jointly commissioned, delegated or transferred at an appropriate time to integrated care boards.
