Health and care in Gloucestershire is to be provided by a pioneering new partnership between NHS trusts and the county council.

The county is to become one of only 14 integrated care systems (ICS) across the country, following an announcement by NHS England.

In a joint release, NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Gloucestershire County Council welcomed the plans.

Gloucestershire County Council's cabinet members for adult social care have also added their voices of support to plans for more joined up health and social care.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care delivery at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We already have a good record of joint working with our partners in health and social care and this is an exciting opportunity to be able to build on it.

"Closer working with our NHS partners means we can learn from each other, helping people to stay well and promoting healthy lifestyles.

"This partnership means we can look at how we can improve people's overall experiences of the health and care system which is really positive for residents."

Cllr Roger Wilson, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning Gloucestershire County Council, said: "This announcement is great news and it's all about how well we work together with NHS organisations in the county.

"One of our main focusses is on helping people keep their independence, but we want people to get the care they need when they need it.

"The pilot will allow us to take our partnership approach forward and build on the advances we have already made in Gloucestershire."