Size restrictions on commissioning groups are eroding GPs’ engagement

Clinical commissioning groups in England are being forced to adopt certain sizes and forms to meet Department of Health viability rules, a new survey has shown. Professional organisations believe that this restriction is eroding GPs’ confidence that they will have the freedom to commission services as they see fit.

An online survey of 131 of the 257 clinical commissioning groups in England, conducted by the NHS Alliance and the National Association of Primary Care, found that a third (36%) were facing pressure from their primary care …