New local control over specialised NHS services
From 1 April 2025, NHS South East London ICB will take charge of some specialised NHS services. Services for rare or complex conditions will be planned, purchased and provided locally. Our aim is to offer care that is more connected and closer to home.
This change comes from the May 2022 Roadmap for Integrating Specialised Services within Integrated Care Systems. It is supported by the Health and Social Care Act 2022 and was reaffirmed by the NHS England Board in December 2024. All London ICBs have now signed a Delegation Agreement, which makes this legal transfer official.
What does this mean for you
By planning services like advanced cancer treatments, specialised surgeries and care for rare conditions, we can better tailor care to suit local people’s needs. This local control will make it easier for you to access the support you need.
If you are receiving treatment now, your care plan will remain the same. If any changes are needed, your doctor or healthcare team will speak to you first. A local point of contact will be available for any questions about your care.
We are also enhancing our digital services. Better data sharing and digital tools will keep you connected with your care team. There will be a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention, which helps to catch problems before they become more serious.
How the change will work
About 70 specialised services will now be commissioned locally. Our local experts will work to ensure these services fit the needs of people in south east London.
The South London Office of Specialised Services (SLOSS) will support the shift. Working closely with providers, they help us ensure a smooth change while keeping care standards high.
Our healthcare teams and providers will receive clear guidance and support as we adjust to these changes. This ensures that the quality of care remains uninterrupted.
NHS England will retain responsibility for 84 specialised and highly specialised services. This work is handled by the South Retained Unit, which covers London, South East, and South West. The retained unit ensures that the most complex services remain under national oversight.
The benefits
With local decisions, you will benefit from care designed for our community. This can lead to faster treatment and more personalised support.
Local control means services can be more closely matched to your needs. We consider local health challenges and lifestyles when designing care pathways.
With a stronger focus on digital tools and early intervention, we can spot problems sooner. This proactive approach helps reduce the need for emergency care.
We are proud to take this step in making health care in south east London more responsive, efficient and focused on you. For more details about this change and our services, please contact your usual healthcare provider.