Currently, people's different needs are looked after by different health and care organisations. That can make it harder than it needs to be for them to get the best care. This is why the NHS wants to bring these things together, so people's care is more joined up with services coordinated around them and with new models of care, such as Accountable Care Organisations (ACOs).
ACOs help health commissioners provide the most appropriate care for their local communities, with more care in and near patients' homes, meaning fewer trips to hospital. This will include integrated primary medical services, healthcare and possibly social care services in their local areas. I believe it is right that commissioning decisions are taken as locally as possible, as long as the Government offers effective support and ensures all commissioners achieve the high standards we expect of the NHS.
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