THE group which runs primary care services across north Essex has been rated as outstanding by NHS bosses.

North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group received the rating from NHS England in its annual assurance assessment.

In the report, the Government body praised the Clinical Commissioning Group’s strong leadership, pro-active approach to system working and commendable approach to organisational development.

Ed Garrett, accountable officer for North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is a wonderful reflection of everyone’s hard work and dedication.

“What makes this more special is knowing all three Clinical Commissioning Groups in our Sustainability and Transformation Plan area have been rated outstanding, probably a first for the country.

“This is recognition of the wide scope of innovative and effective work the organisation has and continues to carry out in collaboration with our partners to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.” Several specific schemes run by the Clinical Commissioning Group were singled out for praise including the North East Essex Alliance, a partnership including Colchester Council, Tendring Council and St Helena Hospice, which was created to improve the health and wellbeing of residents across the area.

The Clinical Commissioning Group’s community engagement projects, such as the NHS Long Term Plan, were also praised by the governing body.

Over the past year, the Clinical Commissioning Group was nominated for the Innovation in Mental Health and Improvement in Emergency and Urgent Care Award by the Health Service Journal.

Mr Garrett said: “Thank you to all our teams and partners for your energy and dedication.”