Cambs move to one CCG and several 'local commissioning groups'

HSJ has previously reported their decision to form the only proposed CCG so far which covers an areas larger than constituent PCTs.

A statement said the move to merge the committees was “in preparation for the move to one shadow clinical commissioning group covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough”.

The statement says the single CCG will delegate responsibility to smaller “Local Commissioning Groups”.

It says: “GP clinical leaders from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough met at the end of October… There is unanimous agreement that local groups of practices, working together, are best placed to engage GPs in commissioning.

“Our vision is that empowering Local Commissioning Groups (LCGs) will make a positive difference for patients. Each LCG should have the resources to deliver, and the flexibility to move forward at a pace which makes sense locally.

“Our existing local practice groupings in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are already up and running and will continue to be developed to deliver our vision. All Cambridgeshire and Peterborough practices are aligned to Local Commissioning Groups as part of the CCG.

It adds: “A clinical commissioning group (CCG) covering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is our clear preference. It will be clinically led, and designed to enable and support LCGs. It will be large enough to manage financial risk effectively, attract the best staff, fulfil required statutory functions and effectively manage our relationships with other organisations.”