ANNEX C

PRIMARY CARE GROUPS: OUTLINE TIMETABLE

March                Preliminary local discussions about Primary Care Groups. National consideration of and consultation (including workshops) on range of Primary Care Group development issues.

Easter           Initial guidance on Primary Care Group formation and related issues, including:

     ·       configuration:

               population base

               degree of flexibility on size and boundaries

               governing arrangements

               nurse involvement

               links with social services

               interrelationship with Primary Care Act, GP Commissioning Pilots and Health Authorities

           approval process:

               who approves the Groups

               criteria for approving configuration of Primary Care Groups

               resolving local disagreements

               local consultation

               timetable for agreeing groups

               role of Health Authorities and NHS Executive (Regional Offices)

           human resources aspects of establishing Primary Care Groups management costs:

               transition to new management cost envelope

April - Aug

Develop Guidance on:

      Nursing           

process and mechanism for involving community nurses in Primary Care Groups

competencies and skills

      financial issues :

               allocation arrangements and pace of change issues

               incentive arrangements

               incentive arrangements

               risk management arrangements

               flexibilities over use

               prescribing issues

               savings

               management costs envelope

      accountability framework:

          good practice guide on Primary Care Group governance, including involvement of the public

          accountability arrangements between Health Authorities and Primary Care Groups

          agreements between Primary Care Groups and NHS Trusts

      primary care development:

               flexibilities

               quality and clinical governance primary/community care integration reguirements

      IM&T Requirements

By 31 July 1998      Primary Care Groups agreed.

By September:      Shadow Primary Care Groups to begin preparations for agreements with NHS Trusts from 1999/2000

Sept - Jan 1999

          General HR guidance on establishing Primary Care Groups/Trusts

          Clarify position on Primary Care Trusts functions; timing and arrangements for first wave (subject to timing of legislation)

          Criteria for determining entry levels (options i-iv)

          Primary Care Group allocations confirmed Detailed IM&T guidance for Primary Care Groups

April 1999      New Primary Care Groups in place

Book Title: NHS Circulars