The plan to overhaul health services in Norfolk and Waveney has been rated as 'advanced' in a new national assessment of its progress.
The rating is the second highest out of four: needs most improvement, making progress, advanced, and outstanding.
Under the plan health chiefs in the region have earmarked £300m of savings between now and 2021 as the cash squeeze tightens and demand for services increases. They have also come up with £150m of proposed investment under their STP. And the rating, from NHS Improvement, followed an assessment of three broad areas - hospital performance, patient-focused change and transformation. It also unlocks capital funding for mental health in west Norfolk.
MORE: Health secretary Jeremy Hunt announces £4m cash boost for mental health in west NorfolkDr Wendy Thomson, managing director of Norfolk County Council which is the executive lead for the Norfolk and Waveney STP, said: 'We are pleased that this initial review has given a positive endorsement of our plans for health and care services.
'It shows that the work which we are doing to give people high quality services which support more people to live independently at home is built on solid foundations.
'The assessment should give the people of Norfolk and Waveney confidence that the services they receive will continue to improve – especially within cancer care and mental health.
MORE: Concerns over transparency as public get their first say on plans for Norfolk and Waveney's healthcare overhaul'This comes alongside the news announced on Wednesday that our system has been allocated additional funding for mental health beds in West Norfolk, a priority for the STP.'
Patricia Hewitt, Norfolk and Waveney STP chairman, said: 'I am very pleased that the good progress we have made has been recognised nationally. This is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of NHS and social care staff in Norfolk and Waveney as well as our STP Executive team, so ably led by Wendy Thomson.
MORE: More home births and merging services between three major Norfolk hospitals: How local NHS revolution will affect YOU'Of course, there is much more to be done, including engaging with the communities we serve, listening to their views and involving more local people as we develop our plans. I look forward to working with all our partners across health and social care, and in the third sector, to bring real benefits for everyone living in Norfolk and Waveney.'
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here