Health authorities

NHS England

NHS England leads the National Health Services (NHS) in England.

Watch this 'How does the NHS in England work?' video for a brief explanation of how the NHS in England works.

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (NHS Dorset)

NHS Dorset is the public name of NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board (ICB). NHS Dorset undertakes the statutory responsibilities previously held by the clinical commissioning group (CCG).

NHS Dorset is the NHS organisation responsible for planning, developing and funding health care services for the local population.

It is made up of a range of professionals, including all GP practices across the county and others from both clinical and non-clinical backgrounds. 

It is accountable to its governing body which makes sure that it fulfils its duties and responsibilities effectively and efficiently whilst being value for money. 

It is responsible for commissioning:

• planned hospital care
• urgent and emergency care, including the 111 service
• community health services
• mental health and learning disabilities
• rehabilitation care
• maternity, children’s and family services
• NHS continuing healthcare
• primary care

Designated Clinical Officer (DCO)

The Designated Clinical Officer (DCO) for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) supports the local authorities and health organisations to meet their statutory responsibilities for children and young people with SEND. 

The DCO also agrees the health services within an education, health and care plan (EHCP).

The DCO for NHS Dorset is Chloe Morley:

Public Health Dorset

Public Health Dorset commissions public health services to improve and protect the health and wellbeing of the population across Dorset. Public Health Dorset has an emphasis on reducing health inequalities.

Public Health Dorset work closely with the local authorities to achieve public health benefits through council services. 

Public Health Dorset is involved in commissioning:

• NHS health checks
• sexual health services
• health visiting
• school nursing
• drug and alcohol treatment
• LiveWell Dorset

Changes to health and care

In July 2022 Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group became Dorset NHS Integrated Care Board (NHS Dorset) and will work within Integrated Care Systems (ICS).  NHS Dorset will continue to undertake the statutory responsibilities that the CCG undertook and will also be responsible for planning to meet the healthcare needs of people and communities in Dorset.

Read more about NHS Dorset and view the Joint Forward plan and see how we will be working with partners, the voluntary sector and the community.