Primary care trusts have improved their commissioning performance across the board despite government plans to phase them out from 2013.

PCT Network analysis of the world class commissioning assurance panel reports for 2009-10 from 145 PCTs reveals overall improvements in governance ratings and competencies.

A range of competencies are awarded marks out of 4. Last year PCTs on average scored 2 or above in just one out of 10 competencies. This year that improved to eight out of the 10.

A new competency added in 2009-10 - efficiency and effectiveness of spend - saw an average score of 1.45.

PCTs improved most in competencies to stimulate the market, manage knowledge and secure procurement skills. Overall performance, however, remains highest for competencies on local leadership, working with community partners and managing knowledge.

The PCT Network said some PCTs had been rated 4 - the top score - on some competencies for the first time.

PCT Network director David Stout said: “Almost all PCTs have shown they are working more effectively to engage with clinicians, patients and the public, and are using their commissioning skills to help drive up standards of care.”

He said the results were not just a “historical record”, but relevant to GP consortia.

  • See the full results in HSJ next week.

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