Press release: PCT Network respond to PAC report on clinical governance

13 Sep 2007

Commenting on the PAC's report on clinical governance in primary care trusts (PCTs), David Stout, director of the NHS Confederation's PCT Network which represents the majority of PCTs, said:

"Primary care providers have the ultimate responsibility for the quality and safety of their services and primary care trusts (PCTs) have a statutory duty to make sure that the services they commission are clinically safe and effective. PCTs take these responsibilities extremely seriously.

"We acknowledge that systems of clinical governance in primary care have historically been less well developed when compared to secondary care services. However, PCTs now have much stronger mechanisms, including the GP contract, to address any shortcomings.

"The effective commissioning of primary care services by PCTs is an essential element of developing world class commissioning in the NHS. The PCT Network is working with PCTs across the country to continue to improve the commissioning of services on behalf of the patients we serve. "

Notes for editors

1. The PCT Network represents the majority of primary care trusts in England. It was established in December 2006 to provide a distinct voice for PCTs. The Network is part of the NHS Confederation;
2. The NHS Confederation represents more than 95% of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.

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