New-look PCTs must pass rigorous test, says Crisp

17 Nov 05
Reorganised primary care trusts will go through a 'fitness for purpose' test similar to the assessment of foundation trust applicants, NHS chief executive Sir Nigel Crisp said last week.

18 November 2005

Reorganised primary care trusts will go through a 'fitness for purpose' test similar to the assessment of foundation trust applicants, NHS chief executive Sir Nigel Crisp said last week.

In a speech to the NHS Alliance annual conference in Harrogate, Crisp dismissed reports that he would not allow reorganised PCTs to control their budgets fully until 2008.

However, he revealed that they would have to undergo a rapid assessment of their ability to perform their duties.

'The new organisations we create aren't just a reshuffle of boundaries. They must start in the best possible way. From the beginning they must be focused on quality and safety, equity and diversity, and value for money,' he said. 'We expect, subject to consultation, that some PCTs will continue on with their current boundaries, but all will go through a fit for purpose test that is quite similar to the one trusts do before they become foundation trusts.'

The test, which all new PCTs should go through by next November, will also assess whether they have the skills and managerial clout to operate alongside foundation trusts.

Plans for PCT reorganisation are being examined at the Department of Health before being sent for local consultation in December. But Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt hinted to the conference that some proposals would be rejected.

'Where the proposals don't meet what we asked for, they will go back to the health authorities for further consideration,' she said.

Hewitt, who met Labour backbenchers this week in an effort to quell a potential revolt on PCT reforms, said reorganisation proposals must meet the department's criteria, which include making a 15% saving and improving co-ordination with social services.

She was challenged by a PCT manager from Cleveland, who claimed his organisation was being forced into a merger without proper consultation with clinical staff. Hewitt acknowledged that clinicians had not been fully involved in some areas and promised: 'Proposals will go back to the health authorities, where we believe they need to take a further look at it.'

PFnov2005

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