About ICN

The Integrated Care Network was established in October 2003 and formed part of the Care Services Improvement Partnership (CSIP) in April 2005.

The Integrated Care Network (ICN) provides information and support to frontline NHS local government organisation as seeking to improve the quality of provisions to service users, patients and carers by integrating the planning and delivery of services. Key to the role of the ICN is facilitating communication between frontline organisations and government, so that policy and practice inform each other effectively.

In April 2005, the Department of Health commissioned the ICN to maintain the S31 budget notification database. We are now the main point of contact for the Department of Health for work around Health Act Flexibilities, Section 31 and Care Trust development.

The work of the ICN seeks to impact on the five pillars that underpin our purpose:

• Access to care
• Reshaping care services
• Greater engagement with local communities and those experiencing social inclusion
• Reshaping of financial and other resource flows
• Developing and redesigning workforce patterns.

We aim to promote the wider objectives of integration within policy for service improvement.

• ICN - Bringing the NHS and Local Government together