Clinical commissioning groups

When the Health and Social Care Act (2012) was passed, it was one of one of the most extensive NHS reforms ever seen in England. It gave rise to Clinical Commissioning Groups, which replaced Primary Care Trusts and larger strategic health authorities in April 2013. Commissioners identify the needs of the local population, set clinical priorities and purchase services on behalf of their community from a provider. Hospital trusts, community health groups, general practices, charities and private healthcare providers can ‘sell' services to the ‘buying' commissioner. This article will outline how services are commissioned in England, and explains how services are decommissioned when no longer required