Commissioning in the NHS is the process of ensuring that the
health and care services provided effectively meet the needs of the
population.
It is a complex process with responsibilities ranging from
assessing population needs, prioritising health outcomes, procuring
products and services, and managing service providers.
These services are then monitored by commissioners to ensure
they deliver both a good quality service for patients and provide
value for money.
Examples of people who NHS County Durham commissions service
from include GPs, dentists, community pharmacists, NHS and private
hospitals, and voluntary sector organisations.
To commission services effectively, we are responsible for:
- understanding the health needs of our communities
- using the latest research and practice
- creating strong links with key partners
- listening to the needs of our patients, carers and the local
community
- managing and evaluating the performance of our providers
Assessing people's needs
We are committed to finding out the health and care needs of our
local population. We do this through activities such as:
Please also see our Joint
Commissioning Strategy for Older People.
GP Led Commissioning
GPs will lead the commissioning process through the
formation a GP pathfinder in County Durham and
Darlington. Every GP practice is required to be part of a
consortium by 2012. Consortia will continue to provide high
quality care, whilst bringing the decision process closer to
patients and public.
Key documents
Although we recognise that these are ambitious targets, they
demonstrate our level of commitment to improve the health and
well-being of everyone within our population.