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PCTs amend Darzi contracts

By Gareth Iacobucci

PCTs have begun remodelling Darzi centre contracts to toughen up performance targets or adapt to their use as walk-in facilities.

Pressure is growing on managers to secure improved value for money amid evidence the centres are funded far more generously than GP practices.

Pulse revealed last week a GP-led health centre in Suffolk had become the first to see its pay cut after the firm running it admitted it was being overfunded for walk-in consultations.

Five trusts have now disclosed details of changes. NHS Sandwell has added ‘a suite of key performance indicators' to bring its contract in line with neighbouring practices.

NHS Barnsley has clarified that all referrals to hospital ‘should be urgent only'. NHS Dudley has ‘reprofiled activity levels because of higher than expected demand'.