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Commissioning is the process of deciding what services or products are needed, acquiring them and ensuring that they meet requirements. In the NHS, commissioners act on behalf of the public, ensuring they have access to the services they need, not only today but also in the future. World class commissioning is a statement of intent, aimed at delivering outstanding performance in the way we commission health and care services.
Practise based commissioning (PBC) sits at the heart of world class commissioning. PBC is about engaging clinicians in the commissioning process, enabling them to redesign services to better meet the needs of their patients.
As part of the world class commissioning agenda, PCTs will commission services from a wide array of providers, including the third sector (or social enterprises).
Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is a systematic method for reviewing the health and wellbeing needs of a population, leading to agreed commissioning priorities that will improve outcomes and reduce inequalties. The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act places the duty of JSNA on PCTs and local authorities and commences on 1st April 2008.
To deliver service redesign and improved health outcomes, commissioning needs to be strengthened across the NHS. DH is working with commissioners and their partners to improve commissioning capability to a world class standard.
Specialised Commissioning Groups should demonstrate the same competences as PCT world class commissioners to ensure that specialised services, which amount to 10-12 percent of hospital spend, are commissioned to the same high standards.
Key commissioning documents published by the Department.
Long term strategies for improving specific areas of care.
How DH, the NHS and social care work together.
