All PCT Network articles – Page 4
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HSJ KnowledgeNHS performance: GPs in the spotlight
Tight budgets mean PCTs must scrutinise all contractors to ensure they are providing the right value and quality of services - and this includes GPs. Graham Clews looks at the role of the balanced scorecard
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NewsPCT rebranding still has a long way to go
Getting local people to understand the role of primary care trusts has proved difficult, so has the NHS rebranding helped? HSJ polled the public to find out
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NewsPCTs lash out over audit use of world class scores
Furious primary care trust chiefs have lambasted the Audit Commission after being marked down in annual reports on the basis of world class commissioning scores. They had been told they would not be judged on the measures.
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NewsHeatwave planning gets PCTs hot under the collar
While public attention has been diverted by swine flu, the predicted heatwave this summer also poses a danger to life, particularly to older people
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NewsPCTs call for tariff and GP contract reforms
Radical reworking of the payment by results tariff and the GP contract is needed to make the savings required in the financial downturn, the NHS Confederation has warned.
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NewsNew NHS tariff upsets PCT financial plans
Cost inflation caused by the introduction of the latest version of the payment by results tariff could hit primary care trusts’ preparations for the financial downturn, commissioners have warned.
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NewsTrusts in the dark over cost of private patients
How much should NHS hospitals be charging to make a profit on private care? With foundation trusts’ income cap up for debate, Sally Gainsbury looks into costs, calculations and rates of return
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NewsPCTs may face tests on financial competence
A financial competence test could be reintroduced in next year’s round of world class commissioning competency assessments.
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HSJ KnowledgeHow PCTs can involve the public in funding decisions
The public may still be reticent about getting involved in decision making about drug and treatment funding but PCTs are expected to engage them. Lynne Greenwood reports
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HSJ KnowledgeThe PCT Network conference
Commissioners at the NHS Confederation’s PCT Network conference tell HSJ about the journey towards being world class
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HSJ Knowledge
NHS discharge planning: lost for words
GPs need timely discharge summaries to provide patients with effective follow-up care, yet they often have to wait weeks for this information. How can medics make sure one hand knows what the other is doing, asks Daloni Carlisle
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News
Annual health check: quality leap sees PCTs drag behind
More than half of NHS organisations are now providing excellent or good services, according to the third annual health check.But the annual assessment scores, published today by the Healthcare Commission, expose a widening gap between the performance of steadily improving trusts and floundering commissioners.The proportion offering excellent services has leapt ...
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News
Poor PCT networking holding back NHS reforms
Poor networking and planning by primary care trusts is holding back reform of urgent and emergency care, a major Healthcare Commission review has found.
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News
Summer of suspense for PCTs awaiting funding allocations
Primary care trusts will need to wait until at least October to hear what their funding will be for the next two years.
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HSJ Knowledge
NHS60: If the care fits
Experts predict a future in which primary care will be delivered by a variety of suppliers in integrated packages tailored to individual needs, reports Ingrid Torjesen
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HSJ Knowledge
Extended hours: crying out for flexibility
The government's guidance on extended hours is not the only way for GP practices to answer the pleas for better access. Ingrid Torjesen looks at some local solutions
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News
Focus on GP hours is too narrow says PCT Network
The government has been warned to broaden its approach to improving primary care services beyond a focus on extended hours.
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News
PCTs ignoring demands to inspect private providers
Hardly any commissioners are carrying out full inspections of private mental health providers despite fears over poor standards, an HSJ poll has revealed.
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HSJ Knowledge
How primary care grew up
In our latest feature marking 60 years of the NHS, Ingrid Torjesen charts the general practitioner's rise from poor relation to commissioner
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News
Care Quality Commission: a chance to peep under the primary care carpet
With the launch of the Care Quality Commission, GPs will be directly regulated for the first time. The government concedes that the number of reported patient safety incidents is too low, so how closely should the new inspector look, asks Charlotte Santry