Local Update: Practice Based Commissioning

Practice Based Commissioning

What is Practice Based Commissioning (PBC)?
Practice Based Commissioning is a Government policy which places responsibility for commissioning services with GPs. Although this is voluntary for GP practices they are encouraged to ‘opt in’ to PBC. A consortium of front line clinicians, including GPs and Practice Managers will be given a commissioning (indicative) budget to provide services for their area. This process will involve; identifying patient needs and setting priorities, designing responses to those needs, identifying and allocating resources. The budgets are not held by GP practices/consortium, the PCT still acts as the agent to procure services.

Why Practice Based Commissioning?
Commissioning in this way is intended to reduce bureaucracy and enable the commissioning of services in response to the needs of the local community. PCB identifies those it feels best placed to make those decisions. Often this is likely to be GPs and Practice Managers, but it can also include other primary care professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, optometrists amongst others. A requirement of PRB is that stakeholders, in particular patients are involved in the process. As a result of PBC it is expected that there will be improved choice and quality of services. National tariffs for many (but not all) services means that there is no incentive to bargain on price. Any savings that are made must be spent on patient services.

Background to Practice Based Commissioning in the Bradford District from Jacquie White, General Manager for South and West Commissioning Alliance

Practice based commissioning (PBC) has a high profile in the Bradford and Airedale health economy with PBC recognised as a priority area of work in order to improve patient care. The GP practices within the district voluntarily formed into 4 Alliances largely reflecting 4 localities - Airedale Alliance, Citycare Alliance (Bradford City area), South and West Commissioning Alliance and Yorkshire Primary Care Alliance (North Bradford area). The alliances are currently setting out their commissioning priorities for the future which so far include Mental Health services, Reducing emergency admissions, and Sexual Health services. As these plans develop, the tPCT is keen to ensure that new service plans are broad in scope, addressing health and wellbeing. We are anticipating a key role for the community and voluntary sector in delivering services that address the wider needs of patients.

Nationally there is a clear expectation that PBC should be the driving force behind innovation in commissioning and service development. With an enthusiastic local group of Alliances there are great opportunities to work in partnership with other local organisations in order to deliver effective and efficient services that meet the needs of local patients

What Next?
HealthNet will be running a half day conference for the Voluntary and Community Sector on Practice Based Commissioning. The conference will be an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the process, identify commissioning opportunities and get the relevant development support. Look out for details in the next issue of Briefing Bradford and sign up to our email list health@bradfordcvs.org.uk