Developments in Primary Care
Primary services have come under the spotlight recently in two publications:
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“Our NHS, Our Future”, Interim report by Lord Darzi in October 2007; and |
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The Operating Framework for the NHS 2008/09 |
These reports were carried out as part of the government’s 2008/2009 drive to provide
a more ‘personal’ NHS. Following these reports there have been two major topical
issues, GP’s providing services over extended hours and PCTs separating off their
provider arm.
GP's to provide services 7 days a week
8 til 8
PCTs will need to ensure that at least 50 percent of GP practices in their area
offer extended opening to patients, with the additional opening hours based on patient’s
expressed views and preferences on access. In addition, during 2008/09, all PCTs
are to complete procurements, based on open and transparent tenders, for new GP-led
health centres and those PCTs identified as having the greatest need will procure
new GP practices.
Money is being set aside to open 100 new practices in the poorest areas and 150
polyclinics with a range of extra services, open seven days a week. The Darzi Report
specifically states that one of the immediate steps which should be taken is for
PCTs to introduce new measures to develop greater flexibility in GP opening hours,
including the introduction of new providers.
GP's to provide services 7 days a week
8 til 8
PCTs will be given the opportunity to select their own priorities and local stretch
targets, which will enable them to focus on, and demonstrate improvement in, those
areas most relevant to the needs and expressed views of their local populations.
The Operating Framework states that during 2008/2009, all PCTs should review their
requirements for community services and use this process to consider all the options
for future models of provision. Whilst this is being undertaken, and from 1 April
2008, all PCTs should create and internal separation of their operational provider
services, and agree Service Level Agreements for these, based on the same business
and financial rules as applied to all other providers.
Procurement guidance to PCTs is due to be published in February 2008. This will
create a new driver for remodelling of provider services – possibly through outsourcing
or partnerships with the independent or third sector. Bristol and South Gloucester
PCT are currently putting their children’s and adolescent mental health services
out to tender; PCT’s in the West Midlands are shortly to do the same for mental
health and learning disability services. There will be increasing scope for innovative
partnership models.
The Operating Framework 2008/09 can be reviewed here:
Operating Framework
The Darzi Interim Report 2007 can be reviewed here:
Darzi Interim Report
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