Merton Council is reviewing plans for Merton Hospital following Integrated Care Board (ICB) cost-cutting measures. The review was prompted by the ICB's announcement that it needs to reduce costs by approximately 50%, transitioning to a strategic commissioning role by April 2026. This shift has raised concerns about the financial viability of ongoing projects, including the Wilson Hospital and Rowans Park developments.
The Merton Council Health and Wellbeing Board discussed the implications of these cuts at their meeting on 24 June 2025. The board considered an update on the changes to Integrated Care Boards, the Better Care Fund, a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment, the Merton Story, and a review of the Health and Wellbeing Board's terms of reference. View the full agenda here.
The ICB's future role will focus on understanding local context, developing population health strategies, commissioning, evaluating impact, and governance. Mark Creelman, Place Executive, Merton and Wandsworth – SWL ICB, noted that the ICB is reviewing the clinical case for change for both the Wilson and Rowans Park projects, considering technological advancements, public estate availability, and financial constraints.
Neighbourhood-level integration is a key national priority, with a London Target Operating Model for Integrated Neighbourhood Health now published. This model aims to deliver care at the local level, potentially shifting some ICB functions to local integrators over time. The LBM Report Changes to ICB 24th June 2025.pdf details the changes to the ICB.
The Health and Wellbeing Board also discussed the Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for 2025/26, a pooled fund integrating health, housing, and care services. The fund, managed jointly by the council and the South West London Integrated Care Board, aims to reduce barriers created by separate funding streams. The total contribution to the fund for 2025/26 is £26,885,638. More information on the BCF can be found here.
The board also reviewed its terms of reference, last updated in 2015, to reflect organizational changes and a new Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The revised terms of reference include updated core principles, responsibilities, and membership, as well as details on the link to the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and its monitoring process.