GPs have commissioned 33 services through PBC since launch, covering cardiology, musculoskeletal medicine, ENT, dermatology, gastroscopy, CKD and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Colchester PBC Group achieved £550,000 in freed-up resources in 2009.
Dr Shane Gordon, chief executive of Colchester PBC Group
On progress so far…
‘There's been a whole load of service re-design over the last few years, around cardiology, musculoskeletal medicine, ENT, dermatology. These have all been factored into the capacity planning for the years the services were introduced, and that's reduced demand on hospital for those types of work.'
On local GPs' response to the white paper…
‘We're working closely with the PCT to accelerate adoption of GP commissioning. The leads of our clusters have been co-opted to the PCT board and the trust is investing in leadership development and learning for significant numbers of other GPs.'
'Discussions have begun with local government and social services about better integration of commissioning. We're also speaking to neighbouring clusters about sharing functions for better economies of scale.'
And his advice to prospective GP commissioners…
‘Start talking to the managers you value and want to continue working with. Build personal relationships and make sure they feel there is a future for them in the NHS.'
Dr Shane Gordon: GPs co-opted onto PCT board Dr Shane Gordon: GPs co-opted onto PCT board
