The NHS is once again entering a period of significant structural change. The current 42 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) are expected to consolidate into a smaller number -likely between 26 and 28 – with populations ranging from around 1 million to 3.4 million. As the map continues to shift, so too must the strategies of those who work within and alongside the NHS, especially in the pharmaceutical sector.
Why the change?
This merger is part of broader efforts to make NHS operations more efficient, cut down on administrative overhead, and create a more streamlined system. Early signs suggest that smaller ICBs – particularly those serving fewer than 1.2 million residents- are the most likely to be merged into larger regional entities.
The reshaping is designed to:
- Cut down on duplication across administrative and commissioning functions
- Make better use of resources and drive economies of scale
- Improve collaboration within and across NHS systems
- Ensure more consistent strategic commissioning in line with wider public sector boundaries
- Create stronger, more resilient organisational structures that offer greater stability for staff and partners
At the same time, this consolidation comes with significant workforce reductions—potentially up to 30%, and in some areas as high as 50%—reflecting the scale and urgency of the changes ahead.
What this means for Pharma
As these changes take shape, understanding the evolving landscape becomes crucial for effective planning and adaptation. While the final ICB boundaries have yet to be confirmed, this map illustrates what we think seems the most likely structure at present.
For pharmaceutical companies, these changes represent both challenge and opportunity. Chances are your field force structure utilises ICB’s as a building block. This makes now the right time to measure the impact of these changes on your sales teams, realign your structure, maximise potential, and drive performance.
Ask yourself – is your salesforce ready for the NHS of tomorrow?
Rethink engagement with CSL
As the NHS landscape becomes more complex, success demands smarter, more agile commercial strategies. Pharma teams must be ready to:
- Leverage data-led insights to reach the right people, at the right time, with the right message
- Deliver seamless multichannel engagement, from in-person meetings to digital interactions
- Stay agile through ongoing training and adaptability
- Maintain HCP trust while navigating new access models
- Keep ahead of the competition to maintain competitive advantage.
With decades of experience in UK healthcare, CSL supports pharma teams in realigning sales operations, enhancing HCP engagement, and driving commercial performance. Our expertise ensures that you not only keep pace with NHS changes but stay ahead of them.
Want to know more? Give us a call on 01483 528302 or drop us an email at info@csl-uk.com
