ICBs are clinically led, statutory NHS bodies responsible for the planning and commissioning of health care services for their local area. ICBs are responsible for commissioning secondary and community care services; they also have a legal duty to support quality improvement in primary care.
ICGs are membership bodies, with local GP practices as the members. Each ICB is led by an elected governing body, made up of GPs, other clinicians, including a nurse and secondary care doctor and lay members.
The area served by your GP Practice is in the district covered by Cheshire and Mersey ICB.
More information can be found on their website: Home - NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
Commissioning is about getting the best possible health outcomes for the local population. This involves assessing local needs, deciding priorities and strategies, and then buying services on behalf of the population from providers such as hospitals, clinics, community health bodies, etc. It is an ongoing process. ICBs must constantly respond and adapt to changing local circumstances. They are responsible for the health of their entire population and measured by how much they improve outcomes.