DOCTORS will be more closely involved in future in the provision of GP services across Redditch and Bromsgrove.
The clinical commissioning group for the two towns has had its powers extended so as well as being responsible for buying hospital, mental health and community services it will now jointly agree budgets and contracts with local GP practices in the area along with NHS England.
The decision comes into force in April and follows an invitation issued to all CCGs in January allowing them to apply for permission to commission GP services themselves, jointly with NHS England or just have a greater say in how they are provided.
A joint committee involving Redditch and Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest CCGs, NHS England, the local authority and Healthwatch will be established to jointly commission services and manage any conflicts of interest which may arise.
Dr Jonathan Wells, chair and clinical lead for Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG, said: “We’re delighted to be given authority to jointly commission GP services with NHS England. This new approach provides the CCG with an opportunity to better meet local needs by commissioning more joined up services for patients from GP care, to care at home, right the way through to hospital services.
“GPs, have a deep understanding of the complexities of primary care and are in a good position to further improve the quality of services in their local area.”
Andrew Reed, director of commissioning operations for the West Midlands at NHS England, added: “This is a welcome step towards investment in primary and community services that will see the development of continuing improvements to commission local high quality care for our patients now and for the future.”
