MORE healthcare services for residents of Farnham and North East Hampshire will now be developed locally under new arrangements within the NHS.

The responsibility for planning and funding local GP services has been delegated by NHS England to NHS North East Hampshire and Farnham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The CCG, which is led by local GPs, is already the main commissioner of health services for the 220,000 people registered with the 23 GP practices across Farnham, Aldershot, Farnborough, Fleet and Yateley.

Dr Andy Whitfield, clinical chair of the CCG, said: “It is our role to work with local people and our many partners and stakeholders to plan health services for our population. GP services are a key part of this as the vast majority of healthcare experiences start with a visit to a GP.

“GPs and their practice teams are in a unique position, as they are able to understand the local health priorities and identify potential improvements for their patients.

“By working more closely with all of our GP colleagues and local people we can target and develop services to match our population’s present and future needs.”