NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been awarded authorisation to become an officially recognised, stand-alone statutory NHS organisation.
This means that from the 1st April 2013, NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG will replace Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) and will be responsible for commissioning (planning, buying and monitoring) – the majority of healthcare services in Eastern Cheshire.
NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG was in the second wave of CCG's nationally to be authorised by the NHS Commissioning Board. The CCG had to undergo and pass a rigorous process involving national assessors who scrutinised its plans and visited Eastern Cheshire to talk to local people and organisations, such as patient groups, hospital and mental health services and Cheshire East Council, who already work in close partnership with the CCG.
The CCG was asked to demonstrate how it would manage within its allocated £200+million budget and deliver improvements in health for the people of Eastern Cheshire. The CCG was able to show that it would be able to commission safely and responsibly, reduce inequality and involve and empower its local communities.
Dr Paul Bowen, Chair of the CCG said: "On behalf of the 23 member practices of this commissioning group, I thank the many doctors, nurses, patients, carers and newly appointed staff who have worked hard to build the CCG to this point"
"We are looking forward to working with our communities, and with the doctors, nurses and managers of our local NHS, to build a sustainable and high quality health service for all.
"We are committed to the principles and values as set out in the NHS Constitution and will continue to ensure that the people of Eastern Cheshire receive high-quality healthcare."
Jerry Hawker, Chief Officer of the CCG said "We are proud of the progress we have made so far and to have passed this important milestone. However we recognize that this is just the first step on the development of this new NHS organisation, and our true success will be measured in improving our populations health, wellbeing and their experience of healthcare in Eastern Cheshire."
NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG is a membership federation of the 23 GP practices that are in the towns of Alderley Edge, Bollington, Chelford, Congleton, Disley, Handforth, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Poynton and Wilmslow. The member of these practices have led the development of the CCG and helped shape how it will operate. The CCG has an elected Governing Body made up of local GPs, clinicians, senior NHS managers and public representatives.
For further information visit the NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG website.
