Media Centre

Clinical commissioning coalition to set up steering group

PRESS RELEASE

15/09/2011

Following the announcement of the launch of the independent coalition to support clinical commissioning and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), over the next coming weeks the NHS Alliance and the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) will form a steering group to advance this collaborative work.

The steering group will ensure that concerns of CCGs are articulated to government and other relevant agencies. It will also be responsible for devising and implementing the mechanisms through which the coalition will be operating to create a collective voice that is truly representative and responsive to the needs of all CCGs.  

Both organisations will continue to have their perspective on wider health-related issues and work independently to fulfil their own aims and objectives.

Michael Sobanja, chief executive for the NHS Alliance, said: “Over the coming weeks the steering group will come together to decide how the coalition will work on the ground. We want to ensure that the coalition fulfils its main remit of being a truly representative voice for all CCGs as well as giving them the support they need to be successful. The NHS Alliance will continue its independent work on other health-related issues and will continue to champion primary care.”

Mike Ramsden, chief executive for NAPC, commented: “These developments are intended to strengthen the voice of primary care and make it a serious force to be reckoned with in dealing with the challenges ahead in terms of powerful providers and the NHS Commissioning Board. Currently the balance of power largely sits with providers, although it is the commissioning bodies that should be determining the agenda. Through this development with the NHS Alliance, we hope now to provide a counterbalance to the existing arrangements.”

 Ends.
Notes to editors:

1. NHS Alliance brings together GP consortia, PCTs, clinicians and managers as the leading organisation in primary care. We are an independent non-political membership organisation proud to be at the forefront of clinically-led commissioning. Its leaders are all dedicated professionals, who represent the Alliance’s diverse membership, working ceaselessly to meet the challenges facing the NHS today. Find out more at www.nhsalliance.org

2. The National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) is a non-political, non-profit-making organisation representing and supporting the interests of all its members, both individuals and organisations working in or with primary care. It also offers support through associate membership to those bodies, which provide services to primary care or have other health-related interests. Find out more at www.napc.co.uk
 
3. For more information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 02076367228.  Alternatively email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 07772756674.