Transforming Primary Care in London
A general consensus is emerging about the ways that primary care should develop and transform in London. In November 2014, NHS England (London) and London Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) launched the draft Strategic Commissioning Framework for Primary Care. This is based around three core themes:
- Proactive care
- Accessible care
- Co-ordinated care
CCGs have recently been offered the opportunity to play a greater role in commissioning some primary care services. In London and elsewhere, CCGs have been given the option to apply to receive full delegated commissioning responsibilities or to share commissioning responsibilities with their local NHS area team.
This is a significant development on from the 2012 NHS reforms where responsibility for primary care commissioning was given to NHS England. It represents an important opportunity for closer tailoring of primary care provision to local needs and could also create new ways for aligning services across health and care in the community.
Shaping opportunities for local government engagement
London boroughs recognise the significant challenges facing the delivery of primary care services in London and also the opportunities to transform primary care services. London local government is represented on the London Primary Care Transformation Board, convened by NHS England (London) and London CCGs.
There are close linkages between primary care and local government services, including children’s and adults’ social care and public health. Primary care has an important role to play in prevention and supporting wider wellbeing, as well as in direct treatment services. Through working together, local government and primary care can help to deliver integrated, community based care and reduce pressure on hospital services.
Together with other partners, boroughs and CCGs are key members of Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) and work together closely in a number of ways. Boroughs and CCGs in London also collaborated to develop Better Care Fund plans and are now working together to implement these.
London Councils is keen to explore where there may be further opportunities for boroughs and primary care to work closely together to improve local health and care.