Another CSU collapses

The Surrey and Sussex Commissioning Support Unit will close down and look for options to merge with other organisations.

The CSU, which provides IT and other support services to local clinical commissioning groups, has decided it is no longer able to stay in operation.

A spokesperson from Surrey and Sussex CSU told eHealth Insider: “We are currently in a period of stabilisation – further improving service delivery and customer satisfaction and determining the sustainable future operating model for our services.

“[However] we have come to the conclusion that Surrey and Sussex CSU is not sustainable as an independent CSU. To ensure clinical leaders continue to receive the highest quality support we are looking at the long term future of our services.”

The creation and development of CSUs is proving fraught. The Department of Health initially estimated that between 25 and 35 CSUs could be set up to provide support services to CCGs.

But that number has fallen steadily, with some collapsing at a late stage. Just 19 CSUs started work on 1 April, after West Yorkshire CSU and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw CSU merged in March.

Surrey and Sussex lost the business of three of its clinical commissioning groups last November. However, it passed checkpoint four of NHS England’s assurance programme last month.

It is currently looking at options, including merger and partnerships with other CSUs.

The CSU’s spokesperson said it will continue to provide services until another solution is in place and there is currently no clear timetable in place for when it will close down.

“There is no short term change. We will continue to deliver services to CCGs over the coming months as we determine the future model and make any required transition,” said the spokesperson.

“A project team, including the CSU business development unit, is starting to work on identifying the options. The work will be driven by the needs of the CCGs and securing the future for our staff.”

NHS England appointed a new interim managing director of Surrey and Sussex, Robert Granger, Last month.