Primary care groups (PCGs) came into existence on 1 April 1999 and brings together all local general practices and community nurses, with social services, health authority and lay representation, to:
- Promote the health of the local population in partnership with other agencies and contribute to a local health improvement programme (HImP) forming the blueprint for action and investment in each area;
- Commission stable hospital and community-based health services to meet patient needs equitably within the framework of the HImP; and
- Develop the quality of primary healthcare received by patients through investment, joint working, sharing skills and good practice, professional development, audit and other aspects of clinical governance.
In July 1999, the Commission conducted a sample survey of PCG chief executives, focusing on organisational development, early progress on key objectives, the resources available to them for this work and future plans (Appendix 3). The present report is based on data and comments from the 57 PCGs that responded
This report will be of interest to PCG/PCT board members, to those in Has responsible for supporting PCG development, and to a broader readership with an interest in the successful implementation of 'The New NHS' reforms.