Report comment

The failure of CSS will create a gaping hole in control of the system that will lead to providers doing what they like, CCGs unable to contract with them properly and unable to shift signifiicant amounts of activity away from them. Budgets will run out of control, CCGs across the country will run up massive debts within a few years and Lansley's daft idea will be exposed in all its glory. Just such a shame that the NHS is going to be thrown into such chaos before enough MPs grow a spine and stand up against the whipping.

Those CSS that pass the first test will be wary of rushing to expand into "failed areas" and there are no private sector alternatives that are affordable to CCGs. No one in the NHSCB seems willing to clarify what will really happen in an area where competent NHS commissioners fail to develop an all singing all dancing economically viable customer focused organsation running on a fraction of the cost they've done in the past.They just get blamed for not instantly developing commercial acumen and told to "stop" their CSS development. Then what? The reality is CCGs have to be authorised to make the reforms happen, and to be authorised they have to demonstrate access to credible commissioning support. What that means is that in reality all this talkfrom the NHSCB on the essential need for customer focus and commercial acumen will actualy be a lot of hot air and the bulk of CSS will be passed on the back of some wooly words and dodgy numbers in business plans, plus an expensive dose of consultancy supported assessment prep work.

it's one giant mess