Do clinical commissioning groups have a role in future strategic commissioning?
NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC), the membership organisation for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), has published analysis of a survey and interviews with leaders of CCGs that suggests CCGs are embracing new care models, strategic commissioning and collaborative commissioning.
Steering towards strategic commissioning, has found that CCGs are already:
- working over larger areas and using sustainability and transformation plans (STPs)
- commissioning in partnership with local authorities
- developing accountable care systems (ACSs)
- developing integrated delivery models
NHSCC has laid out six areas where it says the government can give more support to CCGs. These are:
- clarity at a national level about priorities and future plans
- sharing of best practice, with an emphasis on early lessons from the new care models
- support for leaders who are managing change
- enough time, space and resources for transformation, specifically by reducing the burden of centralised reporting
- better understanding and availability of the skills and tools needed for large scale commissioning
- a single, improved regulatory framework for ACSs and accountable care organisations (ACOs)
Further information
NHS Clinical Commissioners: Steering towards strategic commissioning