Integrated Care Boards (ICBs): What They Are and How Patients Can Contact Them

What is an ICB?

• An Integrated Care Board (ICB) is the NHS organisation that replaced Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in July 2022.

• Each ICB plans and funds NHS services across a large region (1–3 million people).

• England has 42 ICBs, covering the whole country (see full list plus contact details here).

• They hold the NHS budget locally, decide which services are provided, and work with councils and community organisations.

• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have a different system

Why might a patient need to contact an ICB?

Patients don’t normally deal with ICBs day-to-day (you’ll usually go to your GP, hospital, or local Patient Advice and Liaison Service). But there are situations where you may want or need to reach out:

• Feedback or complaints about NHS services that can’t be resolved at GP or hospital level.

• Service changes – ICBs must consult the public when they change how services are delivered (e.g. reorganising clinics, closing or merging hospital departments).

• Patient voice – ICBs have teams dedicated to patient and public involvement. You can join forums, respond to surveys, or attend public meetings.

• Access to care – if you are struggling to access a specialist service or want to know what’s available in your area, ICBs can advise.

• Equality of access – raising concerns if a particular group or community is being left behind.

How can a patient contact an ICB?

• Patient Experience / Engagement Teams: Every ICB has an email and phone number for patients. Look for “Get Involved” or “Contact Us” on their website.

• PALS escalation: If PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) can’t resolve your concern, they can refer it up to the ICB.

• Public board meetings: ICBs must hold regular meetings in public where patients can submit questions.

• Healthwatch: Your local Healthwatch can raise issues directly with the ICB on your behalf.

✅ In summary:
Patients usually don’t need to contact an ICB for routine issues, but if you want your voice heard about service changes, access problems, or unresolved complaints, the ICB is the organisation responsible for commissioning services in your area.