CCGs landscape takes shape

Details of the proposed configuration and member practices for 212 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) have been published for the first time by the NHS Commissioning Board Authority.

The outline shows shadow CCGs now cover the whole of England, and their progression will gather pace as each organisation moves towards authorisation.

Dame Barbara Hakin, National Director of Commissioning Development at the NHS Commissioning Board Authority, said it was a “real landmark moment” in the development of CCGs.

The 212 commissioning groups range in size from 68,000 registered patients up to 901,000.

A number will need to be renamed under regulations which state CCGs must include ‘NHS’, the geographical area and ‘CCG’ in their title.

CCGs will now be authorised in four separate waves by the NHS Commissioning Board Authority – 35 in wave 1; 70 in wave 2; 67 in wave 3; and finally 40 in the fourth wave before April next year.

“We should not underestimate the hard work that has taken place to get us where we are and the huge progress that has been made across the country,” said Dame Barbara.

“We have proposed CCGs covering the whole of England. We have 212 groups of practices who have chosen to come together to shape and commission services to deliver better care, better experience, better outcomes and improved safety for their local populations.

“There is still a great deal of work to do as the proposed CCGs move closer to authorisation, but we should take a moment to celebrate this fantastic achievement.”