Decision details

To present progress with agreeing joint working arrangements with the Clinical Commissioning Group for April 2013 onwards – to ask cabinet to endorse the direction of travel and agree how the final arrangements will be approved

(1) To NOTE the work underway to enable the continuation and further development of joint working arrangements with the NHS beyond April 2013; and

(2) To ASK the Divisional Director (Service Development, People and Commuinities) to bring more detailed proposals for approval by Full Council in September 2012.

The existing joint working arrangements between the Council and PCT have enabled more integrated commissioning and delivery of heath and social care services, resulting in improved outcomes for our population, as well as ensuring efficient and effective use of our combined resources.  From 1 April 2013, the PCT’s Public Health commissioning functions will transfer to the Council and the majority of its local health service commissioning functions will pass to the Clinical Commissioning Group.  Continued joint working after this significant NHS reform will help both organisations to ensure we are promoting independence and positive lives for everyone.

The option of discontinuing joint working arrangements was rejected as it would potentially lead to fragmentation of strategy and service commissioning, resulting in poorer outcomes for our population and less effective use of our resources.