Practice-based commissioners are entitled to receive accurate and timely financial and management data and analysis, according to the Department of Health’s newly released vision for practice-based commissioning.
The DH says its vision will mark the start of a new drive to see practice-based commissioning working to its full potential.
The document, Clinical commissioning: our vision for practice-based commissioning, was launched at an event at the King’s Fund, which published a highly critical report on PBC’s progress last year.
In addition to the list of entitlements and support that practice-based commissioners can expect to receive, it sets out the role they must play and how PBC relates to world class commissioning.
In a letter to GPs, health minister Lord Darzi says he hopes the new document will address barriers to progress. He acknowledges that: “Many professionals, but especially GPs, have been frustrated by the slow progress of PBC and many have become disenchanted.”
But he urges GPs to read the document and to get involved with PBC to improve services for patients and make the jobs of community staff more fulfilling and enjoyable.
The 20–page document states that all practice based commissioners are entitled to accurate, timely data and analysis on budgets, expenditure, referrals, prescribing, activity and “where possible” clinical performance.
It also says practice-based commissioners should receive a package of management and financial support that will include, as a minimum, designated support from primary care trust staff and/or external partners and a plan setting out how PCTs intend to support PBC development needs.
It says every GP practice should receive its indicative budget and agree its management and financial support with its PCT by 1 May each year, with ultimate recourse to the strategic health authority if this is not delivered.
It says PCTs should make decisions on PBC plans and business cases within a maximum of eight weeks. The DH said the vision had been developed in collaboration with a broad range of clinicians, PCTs and SHAs.
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