Alongside the PCT Network's wider work on strengthening commissioning, the Network also has a particular focus on the commissioning of primary care services.

The Network will be focusing on influencing the Primary and community Services strategy and in particular looking at access targets, addressing unwanted variation in quality.

Board members leading on provider development are Andy Buck, Chief Executive of Rotherham PCT and Tom Fremantle, Chair of Nottinghamshire PCT.

The PCT Network board members leading on the commissioning of primary care are Richard Holden, Chair of Northumberland care Trust and Pam Court, Chief Executive of South West Essex PCT.

Next Steps Review-Primary &Community Services Strategy

The PCT Network is a member of the advisory board for development the primary and community strategy. The initial submission from the work of the advisory board has been submitted to Lord Darzi.

Commissioning of Primary & Community services

The DH has established a group to consider support to PCTs to develop world class commissioning skills specifically in relation to primary and community services, with input from the PCT Network.

The Network has representation on the DH working groups undertaking the development of 'community metrics' to support the commissioning of community services, and the development of the standard contract for community services for 2009/10. There are also a number of Payment by Results development sites underway in relation to community services.