A: Specialised services are highly complex, low-volume healthcare services provided to people with rare or complex conditions. These services often require specialised expertise, equipment, and infrastructure. Examples include certain cancer treatments, rare genetic disorders, and complex medical or surgical procedures. They can include renal dialysis and transplantation, complex cancer surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cardiac surgery, care for patients with sickle cell disease, blood borne virus testing, and most hospital treatment for children.

A: Delegation means that the responsibility for planning and paying for (commissioning) 70 specialised services (approximately £14 billion) is being transferred from NHS England to local ICBs, including South East London ICB and South West London ICB. This allows for greater local input and decision making in the provision of these services.

A: The aim is to improve the integration of specialised services with other local healthcare services, ensuring a more seamless and patient-centred experience. It also allows for decisions to be made closer to the communities they serve.

A: The official transfer of commissioning responsibilities occurred on 1 April 2025.

A: Previously, NHS England directly commissioned specialised services. Under the new system, ICBs have a greater role in planning and shaping these services to meet the specific needs of their local populations. This allows for a more integrated, localised approach, with care closer to home where appropriate with some decisions taken across a number of ICBs to reflect the wider geography covered by specialised services.

A: The South London Office of Specialised Services (SLOSS) is a system change catalyst, working with ICBs and providers for a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable future.

Through the delegation of commissioning responsibility to ICBs, SLOSS will continue its mission to underpin specialised transformation with a robust and compelling evidence base to optimise care pathways, reduce inequalities, improve efficiency, and ensure value for money. to provide expertise, coordination, and support to ensure seamless integration and continuity of care.

A: The South London ICBs are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to patient care, with priority to maintaining and improving access to high quality specialised services.

A: In most cases, existing treatment and care plans will continue as normal. If any changes are necessary, your healthcare provider will discuss them with you.

A: Please continue to contact your usual healthcare provider for any concerns or questions about your care.

A: South London ICBs will be in contact with providers to discuss any potential impacts on existing contracts. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain existing collaborative partnerships.

A: The relevant ICB will provide a dedicated point of contact for providers to address any queries or concerns.

A: South London ICBs may work with providers to ensure that referral pathways remain clear and efficient. Any changes would be communicated to providers in advance.

A: South London ICBs are committed to ensuring adequate funding for specialised services, and will work with providers to ensure financial stability and continuity of care.

A: Each ICB will provide guidance on changes to staff roles and responsibilities.

A: Each ICB has a dedicated point of contact for staff inquiries, with regular briefings, too.