PCT and UnitedHealth end deal

The primary care trust signed a three year deal with UnitedHealth, under the framework for procuring external support for commissioners, in 2008.

The NHS landscape has changed significantly since the deal first began; PCT priorities have shifted

NHS Northamptonshire chief executive John Parkes said both sides had agreed to conclude the project in July, 12 months early.

He said: “The NHS landscape has changed significantly since the deal first began; PCT priorities have shifted.”

Mr Parkes noted the partnership had “notable successes”, including improvements in the use of data and pathways for patients with chronic disease.

He said: “UnitedHealth have had a significant impact in the organisation’s improvement as a first class commissioner and I’d look forward to working with them again.”

UnitedHealth used the Northamptonshire deal as a case study in its evidence to the Commons health committee inquiry on commissioning in January, setting out how the framework had enhanced NHS commissioning.

UnitedHealth’s submission said PCTs were “not always able to build critical mass to be world class commissioners” on an individual basis.

It stated: “To achieve the goals of improved quality and access while meeting important productivity and efficiency targets, successful commissioning with tested external organisations should be continued and expanded.”

NHS Northamptonshire improved moved up this year’s world class commissioning league table by five places.