'Inadequate' rating for Walsall health group

Walsall CCG has been deemed inadequate in its latest assurance report by the body, following on from the same rating being given to the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust earlier this year.

Assurance reports are carried out in relation to CCGs across the country to make sure patients are receiving the best service possible and that the CCG itself is robust and well led.

The CCG was given an inadequate rating in four out five areas, those being leadership, finance, performance and planning.

Delegated functions was the only area which was classed as 'good'.

Bosses with the CCG blamed the rating on 'a number of challenging issues' which happened during the year, including financial problems, which they say they are working to address.

Dr Anand Rischie, chair and clinical lead for NHS Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "Due to a number of challenging issues during 2015/2016, NHS Walsall Clinical Commissioning Group has been rated as 'inadequate' by NHS England.

"The main areas of concern identified by NHS England are around the major financial challenge faced by the CCG and the performance of the main providers of healthcare, particularly around A&E and elective care performance. The CCG is aware of the challenges and has already put in place arrangements for a rapid improvement programme.

"A financial recovery programme to help improve the financial position, and ultimately return the CCG to financial sustainability has been put in place.

"We have also identified areas of work where we can achieve greater efficiency and good progress is being made against this.

"We are also continuing to work with our providers and closely monitor their performance and improvement plans.

"The CCG will be monitoring its plans with the support of NHS England and we are confident we will be able to show early progress made against our improvement plans."

The results of the report were criticised by Darlaston councillor Doug James. He said: "I am gravely concerned by this report.

"The CCG has millions of pounds allocated to it by the NHS and has clearly failed to provide the professional assurance that the people of Walsall deserve.

"I will be asking the chair of Walsall Council's health and wellbeing scrutiny committee to look at calling for an urgent review of the group.

"Taking this alongside the recent inadequate rating given to the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust earlier this year, there appears to be a health crisis in the borough and our people deserve better."