Doctors poised to take over the running of health services

DOCTORS are ready to take over the care of almost one million patients in Derbyshire – with budgets worth hundreds of millions of pounds – after being given the go-ahead by national experts.

Four GP-led groups have been set up across the county to provide health services from April, as part of the Government's shake-up of the NHS.

Before taking over, they must prove they are ready. Three of the groups have now been assessed by national health bosses and been given the thumbs-up.

Dr Sheila Newport, chairman of one of the groups – NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group – said: "This is a strong endorsement of our ability to improve the quality of healthcare in southern Derbyshire – and make a real difference to the health of local people."

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The changes to the country's health system were first announced by the-then Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, in 2010. He wanted to scrap local health authorities – called primary care trusts.

Until then, these trusts had paid for and overseen all health care – from services at the Royal Derby Hospital to mental health therapies.

But Mr Lansley decided the finances should instead be controlled by GP-led management teams – called clinical commissioning groups.

These are: NHS Southern Derbyshire – responsible for more than 500,000 with a £611 million budget; NHS Erewash – with more than 96,000 patients; NHS North Derbyshire – looking after 298,129 patients with a £370 million budget; and NHS Hardwick – 102,200 patients.

The first three groups are among the latest to be tested by the national NHS Commissioning Board – which fully authorised the bodies without imposing any conditions on them. NHS Hardwick in Chesterfield is expected to be assessed in March.

Of the 62 groups assessed nationally, only six were given the go-ahead without conditions.

Dr Avi Bhatia, chairman of NHS Erewash, said: "The fact that three of these six were from Derbyshire is a huge credit to health professionals across the county. We are delighted the group has achieved the high standards required. We can now press ahead with our plans to deliver better care, better health and better value for the people of Erewash."

Dr Newport added: "We know that there will be challenges but this is an opportunity to shape a healthier future."