Dr Foster Intelligence | Case studies

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Success stories

We are currently in the process of refining the information that is produced for our board, especially that around commissioning. We are using the Intelligent Commissioning Board as our guide.

Cameron Ward

Director of Commissioning and Market Development

Thinking strategically to make effective change now

Information is the starting point for enabling PCTs to become strategic commissioners.

Cameron Ward, director of commissioning and market development for County Durham PCT, and commissioner for Darlington PCT, says, "We are very conscious that part of the process highlighted in the Intelligent Commissioning Board report is the greater emphasis around strategy and commissioning. That's what we are in the process of moving towards. We've had a lot of discussion around our strategic direction, involving a wide range of staff and stakeholders."

Solution

"We are currently in the process of refining the information that is produced for our board, especially that around commissioning. We are using the Intelligent Commissioning Board as our guide," said Ward.

"It takes time. It's just now that we are getting to grips with all these restructurings that the PCTs have been undergoing. We have been trying to make sure that the commissioning cycle and commissioning information is part of our overall process - that it is geared around public health, improving health and reducing health inequalities," he continued.

Outcome

Ward believes that the PCTs understand the complexity of the job ahead and that they are prepared for the challenges.

"What we are doing now is developing the systems and processes that will ensure that we have all the right information we need to commission properly.

"Developing the new PCT boards is part of an ongoing process. We need to make sure that the approach outlined in the report becomes embedded in everything that we are doing, not just at the board meetings. Information needs to feed through the entire commissioning process of the organisation.

"In particular, we need to focus on practice-based commissioning. That is essential for making sure the entire commissioning process works and works well. We've got to have fully engaged clinicians in this process. For me, clinical and public engagement is really important and is actually the essence of effective commissioning."

Tool

The Intelligent Commissioning Board report