The PCTs: making a difference conference and exhibition was held in London on Wednesday 5 March. 200 delegates, exhibitors and speakers from across the country discussed the key issues surrounding PCTs one year on from the creation of the PCT Network.

Summary of the event

The programme featured an array of outstanding speakers and thought provoking debate. Lise Llewellyn, Chair of the PCT Network, hosted the day and welcomed Sophia Christie's talk on World Class commissioning in action in her area.

Secretary of State Alan Johnson took to the stage. In his address he talked about the future of primary care, and highlighted that while access was an important issue for patients, he was keen to widen the debate to include more aspects of primary care. Moving forward, he felt trusts need to focus on prevention, improving the quality of care, and tackling health inequalities, which the BMA has also indentified as joint priorities. Improvements to primary and community care must be developed in dialogue with health professionals. He also announced that the Framework for External Support for Commissioners (FESC), which has been piloted in a small number of trusts, would be opened up to all primary care trusts that need it.

8 workshops then challenged delegates on aspects of health inequalities, working with local government, FESC and lessons to be learned from aspirant foundation trusts.

Finally Yvonne Nugent and colleague Karl Smith discussed reputation and gave insight into their experiences of engaging the public.

What did you think?

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event a huge success.

The feedback delegates give helps us to shape future events. Share your thoughts and comments on the PCTs: making a difference conference by filling out an evaluation form online.

Presentations from the event

The presentations from the conference are now available for attending delegates to download.