PCT providers told to look to GP systems

Newly separated primary care trust provider functions may need to build on existing GP computer systems, rather than wait for the National Programme for IT in the NHS to deliver new solutions.

The NHS Alliance, whose membership is made up of PCTs and GPs, has also advised PCTs that they need to look beyond newly launched Department of Health guidance on creating separate provider functions and to be clear about what services their patients will need in future.

All PCTs are expected to have separated their provider and commissioning arms by April 2009 as part of the Operating Framework 2008-9. However, PCTs have been given the freedom to decide what type of organisation they want to create for their provider functions.

PCTs are exploring provider arms, community foundation trust status, social enterprises, integration with other NHS organisations, moves into the private sector, and integrated care organisations.

The Alliance said PCT provider functions should bring together locally integrated teams, preserve patient choice and demonstrate that the best interests of local communities were being served.

Chair Dr Michael Dixon said: “PCT provider services can’t go from pillar to post. The DH is saying this is really important and we need to get it right; but simply following departmental guidelines is not enough. We need to make it sustainable and adopt a holistic approach to service provision.”

The Alliance says provider services will also need to look at building on GP computer systems as they deliver integrated services.

It adds: “While GP systems are far from perfect they are much better placed to begin to measure the outputs and outcomes of integrated local teams.”

Guidance from the DH covers the process of achieving separation of the provider and commissioning functions including the implications for staff currently employed by PCTs.

It states that, as a minimum, PCTs’ direct provider functions must have moved into a contractual relationship with the PCT commissioning function by April 2009. By October, PCTs as commissioners and practice-based commissioners should have jointly developed a plan for transforming community services.

The Transforming Community Services programme, set up as part of the NHS Next Stage Review, aims to deliver modern, responsive community services and develop the supporting business infrastructure.

One of the work streams currently underway is an assessment of innovative IM&T systems and guidance on information models to support commissioners and providers of community services is due to be published in the spring.

Link: NHS Alliance