NHS reforms are radically changing the way that health services are commissioned in England, with clinical leaders increasingly taking responsibility for commissioning decisions. The transition plans are creating a number of organisations that need to work collaboratively to ensure effective commissioning.
The NHS needs to design new local systems to ensure cost-effective commissioning that improves services. This applies to all aspects of commissioning: including identifying needs, negotiating with suppliers and managing performance.
PA is working at the heart of the commissioning landscape, supporting commissioners in their new role during and after NHS migration:
Supporting PCT clusters in managing the change and maintaining services.
PA is supporting PCT clusters to not only help with the planning and management of these changes but also providing hands-on delivery support to ensure that the day job still gets done. This includes managing the processes of delegation to Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and of CCG authorisation. It also focuses on commissioning strategic plans to outline how Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) will be achieved over the next few years and ensuring that they meet their statutory responsibilities for commissioning while the transition is happening.
Supporting CCGs in taking over commissioning
PA’s understanding of the CCG delegation and CCG authorisation process allows us to help CCGs to identify and develop the capabilities they need for the new environment. The clinicians within CCGs often have a clear view of what they would like to commission for their local population, but need support in making this happen. PA has worked extensively with PCTs and understand what GPs need to do in their new role, ensure high performance after authorisation and to gain the confidence of the local population. In addition PA is helping CCGs assess their readiness to become authorised to receive budgetary responsibilities.
Supporting Commissioning Support Services (CSSs) in working effectively with their customers
CSSs have people with experience of commissioning functions, but who now need to learn how to apply their knowledge in a competitive environment, where they have to persuade CCGs, as decision-makers and customers, to buy from them. PA is helping CSSs define their role, develop their organisation and engage with customers effectively. This includes bringing organisational development and business planning expertise to support a CSS in operating in a more competitive environment. In particular we are helping with customer engagement, marketing, developing and pricing services, design of organisation structures, organisational development and new operating models and production of prospectuses and business cases.
To find out how we can support your organisation with the NHS transition, please contact us now.
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