A PLANNED major shake-up of Oxfordshire's health and care system could open the doors for the privatisation of NHS services, according to health campaigners.

Plans to develop an Integrated Care System (ICS) in the county by next April were revealed at a meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board yesterday.

The government believes ICSs, previously known as Accountable Care Systems (ACS), should be the future model for the health and care system in England.

ICS areas will be controlled by one overarching organisation given control over local funding and services in the hope that they can make better use of resources and improve the health and wellbeing of their populations.

However, since these organisations could in theory be private companies there are fears that the plans could lead to further privatisation of the NHS.

A report by the Integrated System Delivery Board states the new system would mean providers and commissioners can be open and transparent about the cost of care delivery and will work together to ensure the most efficient and highest quality of care.

However, members of the campaign group, Oxfordshire Keep Our NHS Public slammed the plans.

Speaking at a meeting of the health and wellbeing board yesterday, Didcot Town Councillor Cathy Augustine said a formal system was 'not necessary' to achieve the much needed integration of health and care services.

The Labour town councillor added: "In fact, with its potential for one large contractor which may be private, and a myriad of subcontractors this is likely to lead to dis-integration.

"We urge the Health and Wellbeing Board to stand up to NHS England and halt this direction of travel."

There are currently 14 ICS areas in the country.