NHS organisations in Suffolk and north-east Essex could be getting a £70 million boost after the area’s sustainability and transformation partnership (STP) was rated ‘advanced’.
The 44 STPs across England, which are in control of implementing a five-year shake-up plan in their area to address financial and operational challenges facing local heath services, have been assessed on their progress for the first time, with each awarded a ranking of ‘outstanding’, ‘advanced’, ‘making progress’ or ‘needs improvement’.
The Suffolk and North East Essex STP is one of 20 partnerships to be given the second best score.
As a result, the group has been successful in its bid for £2.5m, which will be spent on community health services in Newmarket and Clacton.
Now, leaders of the STP have put in for a further £70m.
Speaking at a meeting of Colchester Hospital’s board members on Tuesday, Nick Hulme, STP leader, said: “We are unlikely to get all of that but the fact we have some credibility now will do us no harm.”
Mr Hulme said he was pleased the £2.5m would be go into the community, as there were fears the spending would be concentrated on acute services.
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