The regulatory landscape is changing rapidly and the PCT Network aims to stay ahead of developments and influence the proposed changes positively for our members. The Network is in the process of finalising the work programme for PCTs, linking into the wider work the NHS Confederation has done in this area. Board members leading the work in this area are David Smith, Chief Executive of Kingston PCT and Paul Sabapathy, Chair of Birmingham East and North PCT. Initial work is focusing on the following areas:
PCT Network Alcohol Services Survey
Following a critical National Audit Office report on alcohol services, the PCT Network undertook a survey in November 2008, aiming to get a more up-to-date picture of PCT needs assessments and plans for alcohol services. Thank you to those who responded. We received 36 responses from PCTs across the country, and the results suggest a more pro-active approach to planning alcohol services is needed than suggested by the National Audit Office. All PCTs reported that their five year strategies for health gain include a strategy for alcohol-related harm and 92 per cent reported that they have accurately assessed alcohol problems in their area. For the report please view the publication panel.
PCT Accountability
The PCT Network has been exploring ways to improve the local accountability of primary care trusts, through a consultation with members and a seminar with Greg Beales, the Prime Minister's health advisor, and other leading experts. Findings have been collated in a published report, Principles for accountability: putting the public at the heart of the NHS, which identifies how greater accountability can be achieved and outlines some clear principles for local accountability arrangements, intended to enable strong governance and decision making which involves local people. The work programme on accountability has also included producing a joint letter with the LGA which has been submitted to the Next Stage Review.
The Network has also been linking into the NHS Confederation's coalition campaign on health inequalities that involves around 20 national organisations campaigning for key policy asks in the run up to the general election.
2008/09 Annual Health Check
The Healthcare Commission is consulting on the Annual Health Check for 2008/9. Amongst other changes they have proposed to assess the commissioning responsibilities for PCTs separately from the provider responsibilities. The PCT Network has been invited to meet with the Commission's chief executive, Anna Walker, to discuss this
The Network will be emphasising the importance of ensuring there is no duplication in the approach between the Annual Health Check and both the assurance framework for world class commissioning and the Comprehensive Area Assessment.
Comprehensive Area Assessment
The Audit Commission have issued a consultation paper on the CAA process. Paul Sabapathy is leading for the PCT Network on liaison with the Audit Commission on the development of this process. We will be responding to the present consultation on the CAA and are consulting with members on their views.
Health & Social Care Bill
The Health and Social Care Bill, which will merge the Healthcare Commission, General Social Care Council and the Mental Health Act Commission, has begun its passage through Parliament. The PCT Network has been lobbying on aspects on the Bill as part of the wider Confederation response.
Provider regulation
The PCT Network is feeding into the DH work on the development of registration regime for providers. This is due to come into effect once the new health and social care regulator (Ofcare) is established by April 2009.
The PCT Network has taken part in workshops on this issue as it will impact on both PCT provider arm and PCT commissioning responsibilities. The emphasis on registration standards will mean that much of the quality improvement aspect of regulation will transfer to PCTs through commissioning.
The PCT Network is also in discussion with the Healthcare Commission on the Annual Health Check process for 2008/09.
Burden of regulation
The PCT Network is working closely with the NHS Confederation to lobby the DH and the Healthcare Commission about the need to reduce the burden of regulation, ensuring PCT specific issues are included in this work.
System management
The DH continues to work on system management, beyond the regulation function. We will want to ensure that the respective roles of PCTs and SHAs are properly drawn in this work.
