South Yorkshire’s Integrated Care Board (ICB), overseeing NHS services in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield, is set to reduce its operating costs from £61.7 million to £30.2 million by the end of the year. This represents a 51 per cent cut mandated by national government efficiency targets requiring NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver £9 billion in savings during the current parliamentary term.
As part of wider NHS reforms, ICBs will shift away from directly providing patient services, focusing instead on planning and commissioning care. Responsibilities such as managing ongoing care for patients with complex needs and supporting GPs with prescribing will transfer to other organisations.
South Yorkshire is one of only 12 ICBs in England to remain independent, not merging with neighbouring areas despite financial pressures. The board plans to explore sharing some functions regionally while maintaining a strong local presence through senior staff embedded in communities.
Despite an average 3 per cent real-terms increase in the NHS England budget over the next three years, South Yorkshire must identify £270 million in efficiencies across the ICB and local trusts this year, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of its total system budget. This includes £79 million in deficit support from NHS England.
The ICB maintains its commitment to improving health outcomes, addressing inequalities, and delivering value, with a new operational model centred on commissioning rather than direct service provision. Staff briefings are ongoing, and support measures are in place during the restructuring process.
, overseeing NHS services in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield, is set to reduce its operating costs from £61.7 million to £30.2 million by the end of the year.){kind=link}