CHANGES to the planning and buying of local health services in North Lancashire and South Cumbria have come into effect.

Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is now responsible for commissioning the majority of local health services for people living in Furness, South Lakeland, Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster and Garstang.

The changes come after NHS Lancashire North CCG and NHS Cumbria CCG submitted proposals in 2016 to NHS England to alter their boundaries, combining their resources for commissioning across the whole of Morecambe Bay.

Andrew Bennett, chief officer of the NHS Morecambe Bay CCG, said: "Both CCGs have worked closely on the 'Better Care Together' strategy for Morecambe Bay over the past three years in conjunction with our partners in the local hospitals, community health services and general practices.

"By bringing our commissioning teams together across the area, we believe we will make better use of resources, remove duplication and apply a consistent approach to health services across Morecambe Bay."