Introduction
Commissioning in the NHS is a complex process that ensures that health and care services are provided effectively and meet the needs of the population. Responsibilities include:
- assessing populations needs
- prioritising health outcomes
- procuring products and services
- managing service providers
Who has been responsible for commissioning local health services?
Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England, and Health Boards in Wales have had responsibility for commissioning local health services including enhanced services provided by community optical practices.
What's changing?
In July 2010 the Government produced a white paper 'Equity and Excellence, Liberating the NHS' setting out plans to radically reform the commissioning process to focus more on patient outcomes. The plans include abolishing PCTs and handing the responsibility for commissioning the majority of local services to GP Consortia also now known as Clinical Commissioning Groups, by April 2013. This led to the formation of Pathfinder GP Consortia who were tasked with road-testing the ability of GPs to take over from PCTs. At the same time, Primary Care Trusts in England started to come together into PCT clusters to create efficiencies during the transition period.
The NHS Commissioning Board is being set up to make sure that the new arrangements are fit for purpose and provide clear standards and accountability.
More information
NHS Commissioning Board - more information
Influencing Commissioning Process
Developing a business case for LOCSU Enhanced Services