Partners in prevention: who makes it happen?
An Integrated Care System (ICS) brings together many partners to improve health and reduce unfair differences in care.
Examples of the key organisations that form part of an ICS include:
- NHS organisations – such as hospitals, GP practices, and community health services.
- Local authorities (Councils) – responsible for social care and public health.
- Voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector – providing support and services in the community.
- Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) – that plan and fund most NHS services in the area.
- Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs) – alliances of partners that develop a health and care strategy for the area.
- Patients and the public – whose voices are increasingly included in planning and decision-making.
The Personalisation Team also play a vital role in prevention within an ICS by helping individuals understand their health conditions to make informed choices, which can prevent worsening health or unnecessary hospital visits.
They provide training and peer support to staff so they can deliver personalised care effectively, including shared decision-making and social prescribing. Ensuring that prevention isn’t just about medical interventions, it’s about understanding people’s lives and helping them stay well in ways that work for them.
Having personalised care means people have choice and control over the way their care is planned and delivered. So, instead of asking people “What’s the matter with you?” we instead ask “What matters to you?”, based on their capability, strengths, and needs.