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PCT and SHA roles and functions

  • Document type:
    Publication
  • Author:
    Department of Health
  • Published date:
    11 May 2006
  • Primary audience:
    Professionals
  • Publication format:
    Electronic only
  • Gateway reference:
    6566
  • Pages:
    7
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown

The attached set of slides sets out a definitive high-level version of PCT and SHA functions and roles, as part of the framework described in Health Reform in England: Update and Next Steps. This has been worked up with input from a very large number of NHS and other stakeholders.

1. The attached slide pack sets out:

  • a simple depiction of the key strategic functions of Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts;
  • the high-level accountability and partnership framework within which these are performed; and
  • a description of the main roles involved in each of the key functions.

2. The three main functions of a Primary Care Trust are:

  • engaging with its local population to improve health and well-being;
  • commissioning a comprehensive and equitable range of high quality, responsive and efficient services, within allocated resources, across all service sectors; and
  • directly providing high quality responsive and efficient services where this gives best-value.

3. The three main functions of a Strategic Health Authority are:

  • strategic leadership;
  • organisational and workforce development; and
  • ensuring local systems operate effectively and deliver improved performance.

4. The slide pack has been developed collaboratively with the NHS and external stakeholders, and represents the Department's single definitive account.  It is consistent with the work on implementing Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS and PCT Fitness for Purpose.  

5. The December publication "Health reform in England: update and next steps" set out a comprehensive programme of further health reform policy development.  It made clear that during summer 2006 the Department will provide further clarity on how the system as a whole will be managed and regulated - and flowing from this, the respective roles of independent regulation and SHA system management; and a framework for commissioning.

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