About Us

Clinical Networks have been working in one form or another across the North East and North Cumbria since 2006, bringing together clinicians and healthcare staff from different services, organisations, sectors and geographies to drive improvement in the quality and equity of healthcare for its 3.1 million population.

Combining the experience of clinicians, the input of patients and the organisational vision of NHS staff, Clinical Networks are non-statutory advisory groups that exist to:

• Support the delivery of the life-course programmes and clinical priorities outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan within the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (ICS)
• Reduce unwarranted variation in health outcomes and health inequalities
• Support the development of clinically sustainable services
• Encourage innovation in how services are provided now and in the future
• Provide clinical advice and leadership to support decision making and strategic planning

There are several types of networks that come together under the banner of the North East and North Cumbria Clinical Networks – each with their own funding, staffing and governance arrangements – but all working towards the same goals of improving outcomes and reducing health inequalities.

Nationally mandated Clinical Networks

Some of the Clinical Networks across Northern England are mandated by NHS England and NHS Improvement.  They are aligned to national clinical priorities outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan and they work into the relevant workstreams of the North East and North Cumbria ICS:

• Mental Health and Dementia (including Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing)
• Maternity including Perinatal Mental Health
• Cardiovascular Disease (incorporating cardiac, stroke and vascular)
• Diabetes
• Respiratory

How we fit in the system

The North East and North Cumbria Clinical Networks is co-terminous with both the North East and North Cumbria ICS and the Northern England Specialised Commissioning hub of NHS England.