Responding to the publication of the Hewitt review terms of reference today, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery said:

"At a time of sustained pressure across the health and care system, ensuring the right oversight, accountability and support for trusts and integrated care systems is essential.

"Trust leaders therefore welcome the areas of focus in the Hewitt review, highlighted in the terms of reference published today. They want to see fewer national targets and greater autonomy locally to decide how best to deliver care for their populations.

"The NHS-focused integrated care boards have an important role bringing together partners to address system-wide challenges as well as accountability for performance within their area. This dual role is complex, and it's important that integrated care boards avoid becoming another tier of NHS bureaucracy and performance management.

"Supporting the health and care system to maintain clarity of accountabilities, while also delivering better integrated care, is key."