Shropshire health body expected to be rated as inadequate

Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group is set to be criticised by NHS England in an Ofsted-style rating system.

The CCG's interim accountable officer David Evans said he was expecting the report to be critical.

It had been due to be published this morning but has been postponed to next week because of new Prime Minister Theresa May's Cabinet rehuffle.

Mr Evans said the inadequate ruling was no surprise but he insisted it only reflected on the organisation's performance and did not reflect the hard work of people at any of the county's hospitals.

It comes after the group was put under "directions" in April, meaning NHS England will keep a close watch on its financial performance.

The decision was made when it was revealed the CCG had an in-year deficit of £14.5 million.

Mr Evans said: "I would like to assure local people that the inadequate rating is not a reflection of the services that they receive as patients when they visit their GP or hospital or use any other NHS service.

"It also doesn't reflect the continued hard work and efforts of our staff here at Shropshire CCG. It is an assessment of our performance as the organisation responsible for buying these services.

"As the CCG is currently under Directions this was the only rating that NHS England could apply under the criteria used, so it is one we knew we should expect.

"Shropshire CCG now has a joint management team with Telford & Wrekin CCG.

"At the beginning of June a Turnaround Director was appointed as part of the CCG being issued with 'Directions' and an improvement plan is in place.

"We are also engaging with our Primary Care members as they have a key role in helping the CCG improve its performance. We are working hard to address all the issues raised in the assurance report."