Practice Based Commissioning

Our service is highly responsive to the evolving NHS and reflects several recent Department of Health policy developments. For example, Practice Based Commissioning.

How do we fit in?

Some key quotes:

• Practices or localities will be able to secure a wide range of services, responsive to patient needs, from which patients can choose. (para. 2)

• By promoting practice level budgets for commissioning the Department of Health envisages a number of ways in which patients will benefit:
  • A greater variety of services
  • From a greater number of providers

  • In settings that are closer to home and more convenient to patients (para. 3)

• Practices or localities who wish to do so will receive a firm indicative budget from the PCT that they will use to directly manage the delivery of services for their patients. (para. 11)

• The scope of this budget is for an individual practice to determine, after consultation with the PCT. We anticipate that some practices and localities will choose to start with a limited range of services; for example, a specific long term condition or community services. Other practices or localities will choose to cover the entire budget. (para. 16)

• The quality of new services commissioned by practices must be assured. Therefore, PCTs will have a role in ensuring that proper clinical governance procedures and appropriate standards in respect of the services provided or commissioned by their constituent practices are in place. (para 32)

• Patient choice is increasing and record investment in the NHS means that the scope for innovation is enormous. PCTs and practices should start a dialogue now. (para 43)

• 'And cardiology is another example where things could really change. We are keen to look at new models that enable many of the diagnostics to be done in community settings. The consultant will only need to get involved at the point where their specialist skills are really needed.' (Dr Phil Taylor, East Devon PCT)