RCGP position statement on
Practice Based Commissioning
8 September 2006
The RCGP welcomes initiatives that
improve the influence and engagement of GPs in improving patient
care in the NHS. Practice based commissioning (PBC) may present a
significant opportunity to deliver a wider range of local services
to meet the needs of the local population. It should be
implemented fairly, equitably and to the highest quality
standards.
PBC should be underpinned by a
robust governance framework including corporate and clinical
governance. Issues such as probity and user involvement are key
issues to cover in a governance framework. This will apply
separately to GPs acting as commissioners or providers.
It is vital that any health care
professional delivering extended services under PBC is
competent to do so. Practices providing services should demonstrate
clinical ability and managerial competence to run an extended
team.
Support for GPs will be required to
ensure the successful implementation of PBC. Practices may need to
work collaboratively to maximise the opportunities presented by PBC
where appropriate. Practices and consortia will need resources to
train for and run commissioning. They will need resources to
improve the clinical competence in new clinical areas and practice
and leadership development to run a larger organisation.
Gaps in the evidence base for
primary care management techniques identified should be
addressed using the opportunities presented by PBC which allow new
management methods to be developed for commissioning and providing
services.
For further information please contact the
Press
Team.