Response to JHOSC 'Shape of Things to Come'

In July 2007 Lord Ara Darzi published his report Healthcare for London: A Framework for Action.

The report set out a strong case for change, and issued an ambitious challenge to improve health and healthcare in London over the next 10 years. The primary care trusts (PCTs) in London took up the mantle and conducted an extensive consultation, Consulting the Capital, with the public and their elected representatives in every borough.

The consultation showed there was widespread support for the Healthcare for London vision:

• ill health is prevented as much as possible;
• primary care is comprehensive, accessible and of excellent quality;
• improvement in care is evidence-based, clinically-driven and patient-led and provided in the most appropriate settings;
• healthcare is focused on individual needs and choices - and is co-ordinated; and
• improvements are properly resourced, and carefully planned and implemented.

A joint committee of PCTs (JCPCT) was established to ensure The Shape of Things to Come involved the public in the development of acute major trauma and stroke services across London, and met the legal requirements of a public consultation.

Following the consultation, PCTs now have a clear directive to commission services that meet the needs of patients. The JCPCT expects each PCT will want to utilise the wealth of information produced by the consultation to discuss the planned programme of implementation with their relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Read the full response below: