Full coverage: Commissioning board sets priorities and rules for 2013-14

The guidance, called Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2013/14, is the first published by the commissioning board, under the reformed NHS system.

It plays a similar role to the NHS Operating Framework, setting priorities and targets, and financial and planning rules.

Sir David Nicholson says in the document: “Focusing on outcomes to plan NHS services represents a significant opportunity to build on our achievements to date… At the same time, we must not fall into the trap of thinking that because we have improved access that the job is done - the rights and pledges in the NHS Constitution must be delivered for everyone who uses the services we commission.”

HSJ’s analysis includes:

• Financial squeeze on NHS providers to continue in 2013-14
• Commissioning board orders urgent review of NHS allocations
• CCG budgets published
• CCGs’ “progress” to be judged on 35 measures
• Commissioning board sets out ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to provider performance
• Real time patient feedback for whole NHS by 2015 (including landmark targets)
• CCGs will choose own improvement areas for quality payment
• Performance of indvidual surgeons to be published by next summer
• Routine NHS services should be available seven days a week
• Commissioning board pledges paperless referrals by 2015
• Full budgets for each CCG

Read the full document