Clinical Commissioning Groups
The new world
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) – These are new organisations led by local GPs. There are 3 in Manchester: North Manchester CCG, Central Manchester CCG and South Manchester CCG. All GP practices in the city are members of one of these. Their principle role is to commission:
- Hospital Services
- Community services such as district nursing or physiotherapists
- Mental Health services
- Learning Disability Services
NHS Commissioning Board (NCB) – This is a new, national organisation which has an ‘area team’ covering Greater Manchester. Their role is to deliver the Department of Health’s ambitions for the NHS by working with commissioners and providers of services across the country. They will also directly commission:
- GP practices
- Dentists
- Pharmacists
- Optometrists
- Specialised services such as HIV care or heart transplants
Local Authorities – Under the changes, Manchester City Council will become responsible for commissioning public health services. These are services which help you live healthier lives and help prevent ill health. There are a wide range of these but examples include:
- Heath improvement work such as the Stop Smoking Service or weight management services
- School nursing
- Sexual health services
- Drug and Alcohol Support services
Public Health England – This is a national body which will work closely with local authorities’ public health teams, carrying out a range of activities to protect and improve the nation’s health. Their work will include:
- Co-ordinating work to combat infectious diseases such as flu
- Co-ordinating work to combat infections acquired in hospitals such as MRSA
- Deliver national publicity campaigns to prevent ill health
National websites such as NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) will continue to provide a range of information about all health services and common health conditions. Also, in the middle of April, the new national phone line, 111, will be launched. This will replace NHS Direct and will provide health advice by phone to people who require it urgently. A national publicity campaign about this new number will begin soon.