01.10.10
Second year world class commissioning scores show significant improvement by PCTs
Figures from the second year of the world class commissioning programme show major improvements have been made by primary care trusts in strategic planning, financial control, engagement with local communities, and procurement and contracting skills.
An examination of the majority (146 out of 152 PCTs) of PCTs’ world class commissioning panel reports show a significant improvement in performance across all areas, including governance, key outcomes and eleven defined ‘competencies’.
The Primary Care Trust Network’s analysis of the scores on a national level show an average improvement of 39 per cent for the ten competencies which were assessed in both years of the programme. PCTs continued to score best on engaging with community partners and locally leading the NHS, and showed greatest improvement in stimulating the market.
Commenting on the WCC Year 2 panel reports, David Stout, director of the PCT Network, said: “With the bar set even higher for PCTs this year, these results rightly reflect the hard work PCT staff have done over the past year to drive up standards.
“Despite coming in for criticism recently, almost all PCTs have shown they are working more effectively to engage with clinicians, patients and the public and are using their commissioning skills to help drive up standards of care.
“The competencies set out in the WCC framework remain relevant to the new system of GP led commissioning proposed by the Government in their recent health White Paper. While GP consortia will not be measured on all of the competencies set out in this framework, the overall system of commissioning will still need to have access to this range of skills to ensure standards remain high.
“The transition to GP-led commissioning will require strong and engaged leadership and these results highlight the fact that PCTs have the specialised knowledge and skills required for an effective handover.
“Against a backdrop of huge change to the NHS system, our members are working hard to ensure standards of healthcare and financial and clinical governance do not drop.”
Andrew Ridley, acting chief executive of NHS Tower Hamlets, one of the top scoring PCTs in this year’s assessment, said: “These results demonstrate that we have made considerable progress on improving services for our local population and in helping local people adopt healthier lifestyles. To be ranked one of the top for competency/governance scores is great news. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work of our clinicians, and all staff working for and in partnership with NHS Tower Hamlets.
“Working with local GPs and our East London partners we will continue to strive to achieve the highest possible standards and build on our reputation as clear champions of innovation.“
Steve Phoenix, chief executive of NHS West Kent, one of the fastest improving PCTs, said: “I am delighted with our results, and proud of every member of staff who has strived to make us one of the fastest improving PCT in the country. This report shows that strong commissioning can create real improvements in services, and help give the people of West Kent the best possible health.
“Our results show the strength and quality of local NHS commissioners. It means that as we work with our primary care partners towards GP consortia taking full responsibility for commissioning, we have an excellent basis on which that transfer can take place. It is a great prospect for the future of local health services.”
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