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GP commissioning ‘will make the health service better’

GP commissioning ‘will make the health service better’
26 May 2011



The NHS boss in charge of the government's 'listening exercise' on its controversial reforms has stated his support for the principles underpinning the plan.

The NHS boss in charge of the government's 'listening exercise' on its controversial reforms has stated his support for the principles underpinning the plan.


The NHS boss in charge of the government's 'listening exercise' on its controversial reforms has stated his support for the principles underpinning the plan.

The NHS boss in charge of the government's 'listening exercise' on its controversial reforms has stated his support for the principles underpinning the plan.

The NHS Future Forum leader, Professor Steve Field (pictured), this week briefed a panel of primary care leaders convened by the Department of Health: "I am absolutely convinced taking GP-led commissioning forward is the best way for making the health service better. I am convinced Andrew Lansley believes that and that's what people want on the ground. I have heard nothing to dissuade me from that," he said.

He told the gathering of 90 primary care professionals in Church House Conference Centre, central London, that the government had been "very brave" in having the pause and setting up a group to look at the issues.

"The pause is helpful but in many ways it slows us down… We need to get commissioning boards up and running as soon as possible so consortia and pathfinders can get going so they can move forward.

"But there are still concerns and it's right to pause and reflect your views and allow the government to move forward," he said.

Competition and choice had been the main area for concern during the listening exercise, he said, along with the need for a distinction between the commissioner and provider, the power of acute trusts and how outcomes are measured.

Professor Field also called for pathfinders to engage salaried GPs who want to be involved in commissioning.

 

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