KEY issues relating to health care provision for residents in Thurrock will be among matters discussed at the first meeting of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for mid and south Essex.

The newly-created body that takes responsibility for managing healthcare across the region will meet for the first time in public at Chelmsford Museum, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ on Friday, 1 July  from 3 to 5pm.

The new body has superseded the role of the outgoing mid and south Essex clinical commissioning groups – with a more centralised decision-making process.

The change has met with considerable criticism with opponents saysing local knowledge and local interest is being discarded in favour of central bureaucracy.

Copies of the Board papers are available online and you can find them here: https://midessexccg.nhs.uk/about-us/ccg-board-meetings/board-papers/board-papers-2022/integrated-care-board-meeting-july-2022

Due to a late notice change of meeting venue, there will be limited seating at the meeting and so members of the public are asked to contact [email protected] in advance if they plan to attend.

Notice of the meeting was issued by the new care board today (Tuesday, 28 June) at 10.23am – together with notice that residents could ask questions relating to the agenda (via the same email) – but only up to three days before the meeting!

The man at the helm of the new body is Anthony McKeever, the Executive Lead for the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership and Joint Accountable Officer for Mid and South Essex CCGs. In advance of its first meeting he said: "I was committed to genuinely making a difference from the moment I arrived in mid and south Essex as I could see the enormous potential our system has when we work together.

"I am grateful this appointment enables me to continue to work with some of the most inspiring people – all determined to improve how we deliver the very best health and care provision for and with our local communities."

Mr McKeever was originally a 'fast stream' Civil Servant who joined the NHS in 1987. He has operated for more than 25 years as a CEO on various boards and trusts.