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London hospitals to pool their cash in bid to improve service
Sophie Goodchild, Health Editor30 Oct 2008
LONDON health trusts face a shake-up over how they buy in services for patients, it was revealed today.
Bosses from different primary care trusts are being asked to pool their budgets and "group commission" services such as cancer treatment, hip operations, obesity surgery or smoking cessation treatment.
It is part of a bid by NHS London to improve failing services highlighted by the Healthcare Commission watchdog earlier this month.
Health secretary Alan Johnson today called for a debate on the number of PCTs in London. He said that having 31 PCTs was not "the most sensible arrangement".
In an interview published in Health Service Journal, he ruled out a reduction in trust numbers but called for a rethink to address the capital's "specific problems".
He said: "Where the Healthcare Commission has showed that we are going backwards, the strategic health authority [NHS London] might have a point about the number of PCTs.
"We are not having any more top-down reorganisations, but there needs to be a debate about whether there should be a bottom-up approach in London."
Outlining the plans, an NHS spokesman said: "PCTs are taking steps to work together so they get more bangs for their bucks. For example, if you have four trusts in west London who all need hip operations then they'll get better value by combining their buying power.
"Collaborative working means that hospitals can plan their own services better. Rather than 31 PCTs competing for services, they'll end up with the best health expert."
Of the health trusts in the country rated "double weak" by the Healthcare Commission, a third are in London.
Some health bosses in London agree that Mr Johnson is right to question the failures. Hammersmith and Fulham PCT chair Jeff Zitron said: "He's quite reasonable in saying 'You've had the money why are you going backwards?'."
Reader views (3)
I thought it was NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE? Get rid of the trusts and PCT and let us have one national health service for all.
- Maggie, London, 30/10/2008 16:09
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What'll the money go on?A TB clinic would be appropriate.
- Steve, London, 30/10/2008 14:49
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'Hospitals to pool their cash in bid to improve service'.
Isn't this exactly why the NHS was formed?
Precisely.
Sack Johnson.
- Dave, cumbria, 30/10/2008 10:50
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