Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have expressed concern over long-term finances, according to a new survey.
More than a third (36%) of 47 CCGs polled said they were “extremely concerned” or “very concerned” about their organisation’s ability to achieve financial balance.
Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have expressed concern over long-term finances, according to a new survey.
More than a third (36%) of 47 CCGs polled said they were “extremely concerned” or “very concerned” about their organisation’s ability to achieve financial balance.
When those who expressed “moderate concern” are included that figure increases to more than 80%.
CCGs are also anxious about the prospect of working effectively with commissioning support units (CSUs) and NHS England area teams.
Just over two-thirds admitted they were “moderately”, “very” or “extremely concerned” about relationships with the organisations charged with supporting or overseeing them.
“I’m concerned about the ability of our commissioning support organisation to deliver [procurement and commissioning support] and their capacity for ambition in these areas. They don’t seem to always ‘get’ the new world,” one participant said.
Several took the opportunity to provide additional comments with one saying “we have no money” and a second saying that the financial challenges for this year “are nothing compared with the long-term challenge”.
Another commented: “The £25 management resource limit is crippling and dangerous.”
Julian Patterson from Primary Care Commissioning, a provider of primary care development services said: “In a system often criticised for complacency and lack of self-awareness, it is encouraging to see the frankness of many of the responses and the desire of CCGs to get to grips with the uncertainties they face. It’s the ones that aren’t worried that you probably need to worry about.”
The survey was conducted by Primary Care Commissioning (PCC) and Capsticks, the leading healthcare law firm.
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