The assessment process

The World Class Commissioning (WCC) assessment, introduced in 2008 and completed by NHS Devon for the second time earlier this year, is designed to show primary care trusts (PCTs) how effectively they commission services that focus on improving the health of their local population. The results for each PCT outline strengths and improvements in the past year, and provide a useful independent challenge on areas for improvement.

World class commissioning takes best practice from around the world to help PCTs match health and care services more closely to local needs. It helps PCTs work with local partners (such as local authorities, GPs and hospitals), as well as the public more widely, to understand these needs and to improve services for local people, with the aim of achieving better quality of care, improved health and well-being and a reduction in health inequalities.

In April 2010, NHS Devon took part in a rigorous external assessment, led by a panel of independent experts. The panel day was the culmination of a several-month process of self assessment and information gathering, with the submission of a number of key documents and the direct involvement of executive and non executive directors. Behind the scenes many commissioning staff were involved, and are to be commended for their hard work and thoroughness. The improved performance achieved over the past eighteen months (since the first assessment) is a tribute to the efforts of every single member of the commissioning organisation.

WCC results

The WCC report published today identifies some important considerations for the future, particularly in light of the publication of the NHS White Paper, ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS’. As we move towards the new role of GP commissioners, we want to ensure the transfer of valuable knowledge gained from the WCC process, and continue the good work of improving the health of the people of Devon.

For NHS Devon, the panel commented that ‘the PCT has made absolute progress over the last year, which should be recognized in the context of the wider and more challenging assessment criteria for 2010. The report highlights:

• The PCT is in a stronger position than last year, and has made good progress in a number of areas;
• Strong process in partnership working and clinical engagement;
• The enthusiasm and engagement of the PCT board.

NHS Devon has been assessed as amber for the three high level categories; strategy governance and finance. Our improvement in financial management and planning in the past year has been recognised by the assessment panel, and our performance in strategy and governance is consistent with the previous year, despite strengthening of the criteria.

For the ten competency areas, NHS Devon has made steady improvements, with particular emphasis on better partnership working, clinical, public and staff engagement, and improvements in the patient experience.

During a time of such significant change in the NHS, our improved engagement with GP colleagues will be very helpful as we transfer our commissioning responsibilities to them, and support their changing role by developing our locality structure. Better engagement with local people will assist in planning services for the future, during times of financial challenge nationally. And our continuing emphasis on developing the values and culture of the PCT signals our intention to support and develop staff now, and until April 2013.

We must take note of some areas for development:

• To proactively and rapidly develop its management structure and organisational capabilities so that it is able to effectively lead and direct the transformation programme;
• To develop a clear vision for the future care delivery model and align key stakeholders around this;
• Continue to build stronger clinical leadership
• Develop a clear programme of activities and a supporting long-term financial plan that will deliver improved quality while releasing resources.

NHS Devon board are already taking forward these recommendations for ongoing improvement, as they are entirely consistent with our own assessment of how we should implement the requirements of the white paper, to ensure the best possible future for healthcare in Devon.

Next steps

The World Class Commissioning report will be discussed at the board on 28 July 2010, and the recommendations will be taken forward through the delivery of the PCTs corporate objectives for 2010/11and the white paper implementation and timelines.

Click the link to view or download the World Class Commissioning report.