GP Commissioning takes hold

Released: 17/01/2011

The NHS Alliance has welcomed the announcement of the second group of GPs who will take the lead in the Government’s GP commissioning strategy.

These GP commissioners will work together to manage their local budgets and commission services for patients direct with other NHS colleagues and local authorities.

Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, said: “Both groups of pathfinders now cover over 50% of the country, more than the GP fundholding scheme ever managed. This is an extraordinary achievement, considering the White Paper was published only a few months ago.

“For over 14 years the NHS Alliance has campaigned tirelessly for clinically-led commissioning and we are delighted to see that there is such a strong appetite among frontline clinicians to take on this new leadership role for and with their patients. GP commissioners will need all the support they can get and the Alliance is willing to step in and give them that support. Our GP Commissioning Academy has proven to be success and we are expanding our offerings and services support GP Commissioning as much as we can.”

One of the new pathfinders is North East Essex Commissioning Group, led by Dr Shane Gordon, co-clinical lead, NHS Alliance’s GP Commissioning Federation.

He said: “It is great to see a large number of energetic and wiling GP leaders paving the way to the NHS of the future. What we need now is to ensure that progress is not delayed by HR issues. We need to be able to access staff within PCTs as well as external resources so that we can press on with changes.

“These are exciting times for the NHS. GP commissioners have a real opportunity to improve services for patients, save taxpayers’ money and forge a strong partnership with the local community and other potential partners.” 

Ends.

Notes to editors:

1.   NHS Alliance brings together GP consortia, PCTs, clinicians and managers as the leading organisation in primary care. We are an independent non-political membership organisation proud to be at the forefront of clinically-led commissioning. Its leaders are all dedicated professionals, who represent the Alliance’s diverse membership, working ceaselessly to meet the challenges facing the NHS today. Find out more at www.nhsalliance.org

2.   For more information, please email pressoffice@nhsalliance.org or call 07772756674.