04.11.16
Future CCG mergers must consider fit with STPs under new guidance
Future CCG mergers will have to demonstrate that they provide a “more logical footprint” for the delivery of local sustainability and transformation plans (STPs), NHS England has stated.
In its newly published guidance – Procedures for Clinical Commissioning groups to apply for constitution change, merger or dissolution – the body explains the stringent tests that will apply to CCGs who submit proposals to merge or combine their managements.
CCGs will have to meet a list of 11 separate criteria in order to merge, demonstrating that mergers remain frowned upon unless they can be shown to support local STP implementation and save administrative costs. Mergers of senior management must also obtain prior approval.
The document notes that NHS England will also consider the fit with CCG STPs, and performance against the domains within the CCG Improvement and Assessment Framework (CCGIAF).
Future merger proposals must also enjoy the support of the STP leadership, CCG governing bodies, or it forms a necessary part of an agreed turnaround plan for a CCG under directions.
Additionally, the merger proposal provides the right footprint for oversight of likely local multispecialty community providers (MCPs) and primary and acute care systems (PACS) and to have the right critical mass to discharge the new, more strategic commissioning function. This also includes looking at alignment with existing or likely devolution arrangements.
Dr Graham Jackson, NHS Clinical Commissioners co-chair and chair of NHS Aylesbury Vale CCG, said: “We welcome this guidance which should be seen as a way of supporting and enhancing the strategic evolution of commissioning.
“Where there is a case for a formal merger of CCGs it must be driven by the local area who have decided it's the right thing to do.”
Earlier this week, Lord Victor Adebowale told NHE that players across a health and social care integration patch should either be leading, following or getting out of the way.
Following the contract collapse of Cambridge UnitingCare, NHS England has also announced details of a new Integrated Support and Assurance Process (ISAP), setting out a streamlined process to support the procurement of complex healthcare contracts.
Recently, the National Audit Office concluded that the collapse of the major £800m outsourced deal awarded by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG to two NHS foundation trusts has highlighted weaknesses in the contract process that must be resolved during the implementation of the Five Year Forward View (FYFV).
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