Community Health and Fitness No 5 - Clinical Commissioning Group - Update 25/1/2012

The substantial Health and Social Care Bill (2011-2012) (if and when enacted) amends the National Health Services Act 2006 to provide for Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG).

The CCGs will replace Primary Care Trusts (PCT) and in our area, I understand, the local CCG will comprise 136 doctors  (from 36 surgeries) and others(?). Unless amended, the clauses provide for framework for a) powers, b) setting up, c) governing, d) staffing, and e) running etc, of the CCGs.

In clause 9 the esential function of each CCG in England is to arrange health services in their area.
See link:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2010-2012/0092/lbill_2010-20120092_en_1.htm

Overseas readers might like to note that the Bill is going through the Houses of Parliament and is changing, it seems, almost every day. However, it is likely to receive Royal Assent within say six months. The link likely to be out-of-date but gives a flavour of what is coming in the new health system.