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# Local healthcare board achieves top national rating
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/local-healthcare-board-achieves-top-national-rating/
- Published: 2025-05-01T07:10:13.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:13:25.000Z
- Description: NHS England has ranked Suffolk and North East Essex ICB in its highest performance category, recognising its strong leadership and effective partnership working.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Health & Care Services, #article, Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The [Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB)](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/suffolk-and-north-east-essex-integrated-care-board-icb/) has been placed in the "highest performing" category 1 of ICB systems in England following a review by NHS England, highlighting improved healthcare services for over one million residents across Suffolk and north east Essex.

**The details:** NHS England's assessment, conducted under its NHS Oversight Framework Segmentation, found:

- Strong system leadership from a high performing board
- Established and effective partnership working
- A commitment to continual improvement
- A strong drive to ensure equal access to services among all communities
- Delivery of a fully breakeven financial plan for 2024/25
- Recognition as a national exemplar for improving population health

**What they're saying:** Ed Garratt OBE, Chief Executive of the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, welcomed the announcement: "This is fantastic for the communities we serve and demonstrates a clear commitment from the local NHS and partner organisations to improving outcomes across Suffolk and north east Essex."

"I would like to thank our teams of hard-working staff – both in clinical and support functions – who work with such great dedication for their local population."

"I am also delighted that today's score is an improvement on last year's result which is a clear demonstration that we are always striving for the best."

Clare Panniker, Regional Director for NHS England in the East of England, said: "This is good news for patients across the region. Providing outstanding healthcare is something that everyone in the NHS aspires to deliver, and so to be recognised as a high performing ICB in this way is testament to the hard work of all staff at Suffolk and North East Essex ICB."

**For context:** The NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board plans and buys healthcare services for a population of over one million people, working in close partnership with local government, healthcare, community and voluntary organisations and residents.

**The bottom line:** This improved rating from NHS England demonstrates the ICB's ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services for local communities across Suffolk and north east Essex.

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