PBC not delivering
Released 21/11/2008
Latest report states more needs to be done to stop scheme stalling
Practice based commissioning has failed to deliver on it's expectations, according to a report.
The King's Fund stated that a "fundamental reassessment" of the policy was now needed.
The report says that progress has been slow until now and that the scheme is at risk of stalling.
While the report praises the introduction of new services, such as dermatology and diabetes clinics, it says that these are few and far between and that more was needed.
According to latest figures, less than half of GP practices had reported new services had been developed in the last year.
The report pointed out this had been poor return for the £100m GPs had got for signing up the scheme, which was supported by more than 90 per cent of doctors.
The report concludes that many GPs lack the time and skills to make the most of the policy.
King's Fund chief executive Niall Dickson said: "The government is right to keep faith with practice based commissioning.
"But it must be prepared to set a clear direction, define the roles of both primary care trusts and practices, and ensure GPs have access to the support they need to make it work.
Dr Michael Dixon, chairman of the NHS Alliance, said: "The King's Fund is right to say that urgent action is necessary to overhaul practice based commissioning.
"But that action need not be complex or costly. The simple solution we have proposed would transform commissioning by putting the power where it should lie - with the commissioners instead of, as at present, with the acute sector."