New group agreed to commission North Somerset health services

A NEW commissioning group – which will decide which health services to provide in North Somerset – has been given the green light.

The NHS Commissioning Board has authorised the setting up of the NHS North Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and confirmed Nailsea GP Dr Mary Backhouse as the clinical accountable officer.

The CCG is made up of all 26 medical practices across the district and from April 1 will be responsible for planning and commissioning healthcare for the population of North Somerset.

This change is happening as part of national plans to reform the NHS, replacing primary care trusts with Clinical Commissioning Groups

Clinicians at each of the 26 practices will have a major influence over what services the CCG commissions and how it spends its budget including deciding the local priorities to be addressed each year as well as for the longer term. 

It will also work with key partners such as North Somerset Council, care providers and the voluntary and charitable sectors to decide what services people need.

 The NHS Commissioning Board has been established to oversee the work of CCGs nationally and they will work closely with the group in North Somerset to support the commissioning and delivery of high quality care.

 Dr Mary Backhouse said "We are really excited to have reached this important milestone.

"As clinicians we are looking forward to working with our partners and the public of North Somerset in ensuring safe, high quality care for all our population".