THE organisation that controls health services, including GP surgeries, in south Cheshire has been rated as inadequate by NHS England.

South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group received the overall rating in the 2016/17 annual assurance report.

They recieved seperate assessments in clinical priority areas.

These were outstanding for cancer, good for mental health and requires improvement for dementia services. 

It will now will remain under special measures and take formal legal direction from NHS England to improve its overall position.

Dr Andrew Wilson, GP chair for South Cheshire CCG, said: “The ratings are an opportunity to have clear guidance on areas that need improvement.

“They are not in any way a reflection of the safety or quality or services in South Cheshire.

“The strong ratings that we received for cancer and mental health shows how we are delivering innovative and good quality care for our patients.

“CCGs throughout England are operating within a challenging financial environment and South Cheshire has had a clear remit over the past 12 months to get a grip on finances.

“Despite the tough decisions we have had to make we still finished our year end with a deficit of £2.8 million.

“We are bringing together providers and commissioners to develop a way of working to collectively live within our means and the budget allocated to us.

“We will be working alongside our people to involve and engage them in plans we develop, ensuring that we continue to deliver the best possible outcomes.”

The ratings, known as Improvement Assessment Framework, provide a benchmark for CCGs so they can compare themselves to others and assess where they need to focus.

It also gives regulators and partners an indication of where more support is needed.

For more information visit southcheshireccg.nhs.uk.