Commissioning balance faces shift

Health providers in Kent may increasingly take a role in commissioning services, a meeting on healthcare devolution organised by the BMA has heard. Recent changes ushered in by the 5YFV (NHS Five Year Forward View) could see CCGs (clinical commissioning groups) being diminished within the county, drastically reshaping the existing purchaser-provider split. What is the Future for Health and Social Care in Kent and Medway? on 14 January sought to explore changes in health and social care services being delivered in the county.   Speaking at the event, Kent County Council cabinet member for education and health reform Roger Gough said there were already two new ‘vanguard care models’ operating in Kent.   'Souped-up boards' These include a multispecialty community provider in Whitstable, which seeks to provide specialist hospital care in community settings. Mr Gough said that under the direction of the 5YFV models, ‘souped-up’ health and well-being boards could become ‘integrated commissioners’.  He added: ‘What we’re starting to see is the model that is emerging under the influence of the 5YFV … I think it is for us to start to accelerate that and ensure that we have the right institutions to support it.’ Other speakers at the event included Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust chief executive Susan Acott and West Kent CCG accountable officer Ian Ayres. Learn more about integration of healthcare in Kent b...
Source: BMA News - Category: UK Health Source Type: news