The announcement followed the Government's announcement on 31 July that ICBs will be required to align with strategic authorities by the end of Parliament.

A spokesperson for North East and North Cumbria ICB said it would continue to serve the North East and Tees Valley combined authority areas, while the North Cumbria area would join Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB.

The ICB added: ‘We very much value our work in North Cumbria but as things change we will work closely with our combined authorities to take advantage of opportunities to improve the health of our people.'

A spokesperson for Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB said: ‘We are aware of the Government's intentions to match NHS boundaries with local authority boundaries.

‘We are awaiting more information from NHS England on any further detail regarding any proposed boundary changes including timescales and implementation arrangements and have committed to keeping partners and public informed.'

A spokesperson for North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, which operates under North East and North Cumbria ICB, said: ‘We are aware of a proposal to realign public service boundaries as part of the Government plans for devolution. Our understanding is that further detail will be provided in a Government White Paper in the autumn. Should changes be confirmed, we will work with partners to ensure an effective transition of responsibilities. We do not envisage any change in the immediate future to how or where we provide care for our patients, or any impact on our staff.'