ICBs form cluster ahead of merger

NHS Frimley ICB and Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) ICB have formed a cluster under joint chair, Dr Priya Singh, and chief executive officer, Dr Nick Broughton.

(c) Cytonn Photography/Unsplash

(c) Cytonn Photography/Unsplash

The move comes ahead of the creation of the new NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board on 1 April 2026, which will serve around 2.5m people across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

The plans will see East Berkshire joining BOB ICB, Surrey Heath, Ash and Farnham aligning to Surrey and Sussex ICB and North East Hampshire aligning to Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB.

Alignment of Surrey Heath, Ash, Farnham and North East Hampshire will be achieved by 1 April, 2026.

Until this time, the footprints will remain part of the NHS Frimley ICB and BOB ICB cluster.

A BOB spokesperson said: ‘Over the coming months, work will continue with staff and partners to design the new organisation. A formal staff consultation will follow once the proposed structure has been developed and approved. Unfortunately, there will be staff redundancies and both ICBs are supporting colleagues during this difficult period.'

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