The 2017-2018 annual assurance ratings from NHS England, known as Improvement and Assessment Framework (IAF) ratings have praised NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for its notable improvements in cancer care.

The CCG has again been graded as 'requires improvement' in the ratings, which provide a benchmark for CCGs, so they can compare themselves to others and assess where they need to focus.  It also gives national and local regulators and partners an indication of where more support is needed.

Highlighting key areas of strength and good practice, the assessment said that the CCG has been successful in the implementation of the Integrated Community Reablement and Assessment Service (ICRAS), which it is recognised will meet the needs of some of the CCG’s most vulnerable patients.

Dr Rob Caudwell, chair of the CCG, said: "Although we have again been rated as 'requires improvement', it is encouraging to see areas of work which have been praised by NHS England.

"Our task now is to build on these positives to address key challenges over the next 12 months, ensuring that we continue to make improvements to our financial position.

"I want to thank all of our staff and member GP practices for the hard work they're doing to face these challenges and deliver improvements in care for our patients."

Key areas of improvement for the CCG include services around mental health and aspects of unplanned care such as Delayed Transfers of Care.

Local people are invited to be involved as the CCG looks to make further improvements.  If you’d like to be involved in the work of your local NHS, please email communications@sefton.nhs.uk or call 0151 317 8456