North East and North Cumbria

What North East and North Cumbria does

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a statutory NHS body established under the Health and Care Act 2022, headquartered in Sunderland with a secondary office in Durham. The ICB plans, funds, and oversees health services for approximately 3.2 million people across the largest geographical NHS area in England, operating with a near-£7 billion annual NHS budget allocation from government. It coordinates the Integrated Care System alongside NHS trusts, foundation trusts, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners with the explicit objectives of joining up health and care services, improving population health, and reducing health inequalities.

The ICB operates as a portfolio of commissioned and directly coordinated services rather than a single product. Core programmes include NHS Dentistry Services, Think Pharmacy First for minor ailments, Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs at 43 locations (£1.5 million invested), Mental Health Safe Havens operated with Everyturn Mental Health, Women's Health Hubs in Gateshead and Sunderland (~£1 million further funding), the Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub (which has supported over 1,750 staff to remain in or return to work), and the Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) NHS access programme for weight management. Underlying technology comprises NHS digital infrastructure and risk stratification systems for population health management, using computer-based algorithms to identify high-risk patients for clinical intervention, plus a Secure Data Environment that was accelerated from 4 to 229 GP practices in March 2026.

The ICB is publicly funded through NHS England allocations based on population needs, with all services free at the point of use under the UK's tax-funded healthcare model. It is governed by a Board chaired by Professor Sir Liam Donaldson, with Samantha Allen as Chief Executive, and is accountable to NHS England and subject to parliamentary oversight. Revenue mechanics operate through commissioning contracts with NHS providers, partnerships with third-sector organisations such as Everyturn Mental Health and Skills for People, and joint working with government partners including the Department for Work and Pensions on the £30 million WorkWell employment support programme. Operating geographies are restricted to North East and North Cumbria, spanning County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Cumbria, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Tees Valley.

Name

North East and North Cumbria

Legal name

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board

Website

https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk

Company type

Public

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board is a statutory NHS body that plans, funds, and oversees health services for 3.2 million people across the largest geographical NHS area in England, managing a near-£7 billion budget.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Healthcare Commissioning

NAICS

General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (6221), General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (622110), Offices of Physicians (62111)

SIC

Services-General Medical & Surgical Hospitals, Nec (8062), Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Hospitals (8060)

akta.pro primary industry

Value-Based Primary Care Organizations (Risk-Bearing) (HLAFAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Critical Access & Rural Hospitals (HLAFAAAG), Healthcare Clinical & Allied Health Staffing (BPACADAJ)

Keywords

• NHS commissioning
• Integrated care board
• Healthcare service planning
• Population health management
• Public health services

Headquarters

HQ city

Newcastle Upon Tyne

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public NHS Funding: The ICB receives NHS budget allocation from government to plan, buy and oversee health services for the population. The NHS budget is nearly £7 billion.

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board is an NHS statutory body that plans, funds, and oversees the delivery of health services for approximately 3.2 million people across the largest geographical NHS area in England, with a budget of nearly £7 billion. It commissions a portfolio of NHS services including primary care, secondary care, community pharmacy, mental health support, vaccination programmes, women's health, weight management, and population health initiatives, delivered through partner NHS trusts, GP practices, community pharmacies, and local authorities.

Product overview

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is an NHS commissioning organization that plans, funds, and oversees health services for approximately 3.2 million people across the largest geographical NHS area in England, with a budget of nearly £7 billion. Rather than a single unified product, the ICB operates as a coordinated portfolio of clinical and support services delivered through partner NHS trusts, GP practices, community pharmacies, and local authorities. Key services include: Think Pharmacy First for minor illness consultations; COVID-19 and flu vaccination programmes; NHS WorkWell employment support (£30m programme including £19m government funding); Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub; Women's Health Hubs in Gateshead and Sunderland; Tirzepatide/Mounjaro weight management programme; BOOST learning and improvement community; Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs; Mental Health Safe Havens; Elephant in the Room sexual health campaign; Secure Data Environment; and comprehensive support services including continuing healthcare, personal health budgets, waiting well, alcohol/smoking support, and safeguarding. Services are integrated through neighbourhood health teams, GP practices, and community settings across County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Cumbria, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Tees Valley.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NHS Dentistry Services NHS dental care access programme enabling patients to book appointments at urgent dental access centres and access Be Smile Smart tips for oral health.
• Think Pharmacy First Community pharmacy consultation service offering quick, confidential advice on common health concerns including minor illnesses, allergies, coughs, colds, and over-the-counter treatments without GP appointments.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Seasonal vaccination programme offering free spring booster jabs to eligible residents aged 75+, care home residents, and immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months+. Bookable via NHS App, website, or 119.
• NHS WorkWell Service Employment support service helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work through dedicated NHS coaches who connect individuals with health services, benefits advice, and employer support. Funded with £30 million including £19m government investment.
• Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub Mental health and wellbeing support service for health and care workers offering therapy options, musculoskeletal support, menopause care, and alcohol reduction assistance. Has helped over 1,750 staff remain in or return to work.
• Women's Health Hubs Community-based women's health services in Gateshead and Sunderland offering long-acting reversible contraception, menopause clinics, pessary fittings, and HRT services. Funded with approximately £1 million to develop further.
• Weight Loss Drugs Programme (Tirzepatide/Mounjaro) NHS weight management programme providing Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to patients meeting strict eligibility criteria including BMI 40+ with multiple weight-related health conditions. Includes wrap-around care programme with diet and lifestyle support.
• BOOST Learning and Improvement Community Innovation and improvement hub supporting continuous learning across the health and care system, facilitating sharing of ideas, best practices, and networking for improvement efforts.
• Acute Respiratory Infection Hubs Same-day care clinics for patients with respiratory infections, providing treatment closer to home rather than in A&E. 43 hubs across the region with £1.5m investment.
• Mental Health Safe Havens Informal mental health drop-in centres providing emotional and practical support for people in crisis who don't need clinical care. Locations include Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside (The Anchorage).
• Elephant in the Room Sexual Health Campaign NHS campaign encouraging young people to talk openly about sexual health, get tested for STIs, and use protection. Includes dedicated website with sexual health information and local service signposting.
• Secure Data Environment NHS data infrastructure enabling secure, privacy-protected use of patient data for research and planning purposes. Rolled out across GP practices in the region.
• Continuing Healthcare NHS package of care for individuals with complex medical needs, assessing and funding ongoing care requirements.
• Personal Health Budgets NHS programme giving individuals control over their healthcare spending, allowing patients to choose how their NHS funding is spent on their care.
• Waiting Well Scheme Support programme helping people prepare for surgery through health optimisation, increasing chances of successful outcomes. Funded with £2m investment.
• Healthy Weight and Obesity Services Comprehensive weight management support including NHS health checks, diet and exercise advice, weight loss programmes, diabetes prevention programmes, and access to medication support.
• Alcohol Support Services NHS support services helping individuals reduce harmful alcohol use as part of broader health and wellbeing programmes.
• Smoking Support (FreshQuit) Regional smoking cessation programme helping people quit smoking through expert support and resources.
• Autism and ADHD Support Information and support services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• Children and Young People Health Services Health support and services specifically designed for children and young people across the region.
• Prescription Ordering Services Digital and traditional prescription ordering services helping patients manage repeat medications efficiently.
• Patient Choice NHS programme ensuring patients have choice and control over their healthcare options and treatment pathways.
• Safeguarding Services NHS safeguarding services protecting vulnerable adults and children from harm and abuse.
• Safe Sleep Support services promoting safe sleep practices for infants to reduce sudden infant death syndrome.

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Department for Work and PensionscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Government partner in the WorkWell programme helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work. Part of the Health and Growth Accelerator scheme.
• North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Tees Valley Mayor Ben HouchensecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Combined authority Mayors who supported the WorkWell programme and neighbourhood health revolution bids.
• Everyturn Mental HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Charity operating the Safe Haven mental health crisis centres including The Anchorage in North Tyneside, Northumberland Safe Haven, and Newcastle Safe Haven. Provides informal, friendly, practical help for people in mental health crisis.
• North of England Commissioning Support UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides data processing services including risk stratification and invoice validation on behalf of the ICB. Operates under strict controls and Section 251 agreement to ensure information is handled lawfully.
• Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers the Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub for health and care workers across the region. The hub provides mental health support, musculoskeletal care, menopause support, and alcohol reduction services.
• Skills for PeoplesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers the 'Our Place, Our Say' events for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, providing opportunity to share experiences and have voices heard.
• NHS England and NHS DigitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational NHS bodies that collect and use patient data for health service planning and procurement. ICB shares anonymised statistical information for improving local services.
• Local Authorities (North East and North Cumbria)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal councils in the region collaborate with ICB on health and social care integration, understanding health conditions spread, and coordinating health and social care services.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• NHS England: The parent body that allocates budgets to and oversees all ICBs. NHS England sets national policy, performance standards, and funding formulas that directly shape North East and North Cumbria ICB's operating context.

Direct peers

• NHS Devon Integrated Care Board: NHS ICB covering a geographically large region with mixed urban/rural population, sharing similar challenges of rural access and population health management as North East and North Cumbria ICB.
• NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board: NHS ICB serving a similar-sized North West England population with equivalent statutory powers, budget scale, and integrated care responsibilities under the Health and Care Act 2022.
• NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board: Another large NHS Integrated Care Board in England with similar statutory commissioning responsibilities. Comparable in operating a £7B+ budget for a regional population under the Health and Care Act 2022 framework.
• NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board: South East England NHS ICB with comparable population size and budget, sharing the same statutory commissioner role and integrated care system structure as North East and North Cumbria ICB.
• NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board: Large NHS ICB covering Hampshire and Isle of Wight with a comparable budget scale (~£4B) and population (~2M), operating under the same statutory commissioning framework.
• NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board: Northern England NHS ICB operating under identical statutory framework, with similar focus on health inequalities in post-industrial regions and equivalent commissioning responsibilities.
• NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board: Neighbouring NHS ICB covering a similarly large urban/rural population across West Yorkshire. Operates under identical statutory framework with comparable budget scale (~£5B) and commissioning scope.

Regional players

• Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust: A core NHS Foundation Trust partner that delivers the Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub for the ICB. Operates mental health, learning disability, and neurological services across the same North East and North Cumbria region.

Others

• North of England Commissioning Support Unit: NHS commissioning support unit that provides data processing services (including risk stratification and invoice validation) to North East and North Cumbria ICB under Section 251 agreement — a key enabling partner for the ICB's data infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/EveryChildNENC
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@northeastandnorthcumbrianh1204
• Facebookfacebook.com/NorthEastandNorthCumbriaNHS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/north-east-and-north-cumbria-nhs
• Instagraminstagram.com/nenc_nhs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North East and North Cumbria