Each issue contains a round-up of the latest news, updates and information from across the commissioning system which may be of interest to proposed CCGs, CCG leaders or any health and care staff working with CCGs.
The latest two issues are:
- 16 (4th July) which includes information about the single operating model for primary care, commissioning intelligence tool, resource packs for commissoining maternity services and public health guidance
“As we move closer towards April 2013 we are also continuing to share a whole host of supporting information to help you as emerging CCGs. We have recently published the new single operating model for primary care commissioning. Securing excellence in commissioning primary care sets out the NHS Commissioning Board Authority’s plans for the new primary care commissioning system which will introduce greater consistency, help to tackle inequalities and improve service quality amongst other things. Find out more in the bulletin...A number of other guidance and framework documents have also been released in the last few days and these are also highlighted in the bulletin. I would particularly like to draw your attention to the employment status guidance for GPs which has been drawn up by the accountants RMS Tenon and is extremely helpful for clinicians and CCG managers. It does help clarify some of the personal financial implications of GPs taking on roles in CCGs, so I urge you to familiarise yourselves with it.” Barbara Hakin
- 17 (12th July) which includes information about commissioning support, helplines for CCGs, updated role outlines and local enhanced services.
“Firstly, I would like to say a huge well done to all the proposed CCGs in wave 1 of the authorisation process…… It’s really inspiring to see the process get off to a good start and I hope those CCGs in waves 2 to 4 are able to continue in the same way. There is some useful information for those later waves in the bulletin today, particularly around the use of the authorisation portal. The bulletin also contains news about a paper which will be going to the board meeting of the NHS Commissioning Board Authority next week. It focuses on the final elements of the authorisation process, specifically about how decisions will be made and moderated and how conditions will be applied. If the board approves our recommendations then the NHS Commissioning Board – once it comes into being in October – will be able to oversee an application process for CCGs which is clear, consistent and fair. I would encourage you to read the paper and we will of course update you again following the board meeting. It may seem from this that all our work is only focused on clinical commissioning groups. This isn’t the case at all – there is also plenty of activity around the establishment of commissioning support services and planning for the direct commissioning responsibilities of the NHS Commissioning Board. One piece of key news this time is that the Board Authority has decided to host all 23 CSSs through to the point in 2013-14 at which CCGs make their decisions on their choice of commissioning support, and complete their procurements. I am sure this stability will provide reassurance to you as you prepare for and progress through the authorisation process” Barbara Hakin
Previous issues of the bulletin are available