TWO north west health bodies have set out proposals to re-draw the areas that they cover.

NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Lancashire North Clinical Commissioning Group have written to GP practices, staff and other commissioners to outline the proposal, which would change the boundaries of the two CCGs.

The change would see practices in Furness and South Lakeland become part of a new 'Morecambe Bay CCG'.

Dr Hugh Reeve, interim chief clinical officer for Cumbria CCG, said: "Increasingly Cumbria is seen as being part of two distinct healthcare systems.

"Because of this we are exploring new ways of working across Cumbria and North Lancashire to support the Success Regime in the north and the Better Care Together programme in the Morecambe Bay area."

For some time now the wider NHS has related to north and south Cumbria differently and it is hoped that this proposal will bring greater clarity and efficiencies to commissioning arrangements, as well as paving the way to greater integration of health and care services in both North Cumbria and Morecambe Bay.

Andrew Bennett, chief officer of Lancashire North CCG, said: "The developing vanguard programme Better Care Together around Morecambe Bay has refocused our commissioning activity and the way NHS organisations around the Bay work together.

"It makes sense for patients and staff that we step up our work in this area so we are well prepared for the future."

No decisions have yet been made and approval for any change will be needed from NHS England.