Delivering healthcare through collaboration – a view from the South (of the Equator)

Changes in commissioning health care services

The new changes to England’s health care structure (Health & Social Care Act 2012) will put clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in charge of commissioning healthcare services. This will also mean that other non-NHS organisations (such as third sector organisations) will be able to apply for funding to provide health care services. This creates new and innovative opportunities for NHS trusts to work in collaboration with charities and other third sector organisations.

Engagement in the Health Sector

This week’s blog takes a look at something very dear to our hearts at MES, public and patient engagement in the NHS.

As we draw into the hopefully anticipated ‘indian summer’ of 2012 I have been reflecting upon the people we’ve met, the conferences attended and the clients we have worked alongside so far this year.
 

Following the assent of the Health and Social Care Bill in March the precedent for patient and public involvement has never been greater. What’s more it has been set out as a whole domain (2) for Clinical Commissioning Groups to get to grips with. But without the rigid measures for engagement that are laid out for Foundation Trusts to guide them, many CCGS are wondering what effective engagement actually feels like.