Improved communication between trusts, the HA and GP groups about pressures on medical workloads and the potential impact on services.

Mechanisms for collaborative working to deal with these pressures, including discussing medical staffing plans early enough to allow adjustments.

Early warning of discrepancies between trusts' business and workforce plans.

An understanding of the different priorities of trusts and HAs which would not have emerged from other discussions.

Early warning of the costs associated with new appointments.

Incorporation of the results into future commissioning plans.

Negotiation of common post-structured training standards for supervision

levels and quality of care between the HA and providers.

Agreement to pilot a means of developing workload comparisons between

hospitals.