What to do if no one is listening
Work through the SHAs Commissioning Assurance process
Launched on 4 June 2008, Commissioning Assurance is a new system for measuring Primary Care Trust (PCT) commissioning performance. It is one national system, managed locally by the Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs), which will hold commissioners to account, reward performance, and ensure that health outcomes are improving.
Mark Britnell, Director General of Commissioning and Systems Management at the Department of Health says, ‘Commissioning assurance will be absolutely key to driving performance and guiding PCT development and will recognise and reward commissioners as they progress towards world class. However, commissioning assurance is not an end in itself. To be successful, commissioners will need to demonstrate better health outcomes for the people and communities they serve; adding life to years and years to life.’
To find out more, visit the Department of Health website
Contact the Care Quality Commission
In April 2009, the Healthcare Commission merged with the Social Care Inspectorate and the Mental Health Act Commission to form the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is the health and social care regulator for England, looking at the joined up picture of health and social care. Their aim is to ensure better care for everyone in hospital, in a care home and at home. Find out more at their website
Contact your MP
Your Primary Care Trust (PCT) will be obliged to respond to a letter from your MP. You can find out about your MP and contact him or her here
Below we have included a sample letter to send to your MP, which you can adapt to suit your requirements.
Dear [name]
Did you know that one in six of your constituents is living with a neurological condition? I am a constituent living with a neurological condition/caring for someone with a neurological condition/working with people with neurological conditions and I am keen to work with you to get better services for others in my position. [Include information about your local Neurological Alliance, if there is one]
From MS to dementia, from migraine to stroke, neurological conditions are frightening, debilitating and often lead to significant disability. Services remain fragmented and in many cases under-resourced. [Include local evidence if you can] In 2005, a National Service Framework for Long-Term Neurological Conditions was launched by the Department of Health, setting out a vision of high-quality, joined-up services for the 10 million people in the UK with a neurological condition. Unfortunately it came with no targets and no funding – it’s up to us to ensure that our PCT takes the NSF seriously and implements it soon.
I would like to meet with you [“and other members of the local Neurological Alliance” if relevant] to talk about how we can do this.
In the meantime, I would be really grateful if you would ask the Chair of the . [insert name] PCT the following questions:
- Have you got a designated lead for the NSF for Long-Term Neurological Conditions? What is the name of the individual? Is the LTNC NSF their only responsibility?
- Do you have a local implementation group or other neurological network?
- Do you use a joint assessment process? Does every patient hold their own summary?
- What type of service do you commission for self-care and self-management? E.g. Expert Patient Programme.
- Will you hit the 18-week target for neurological conditions this year?
- Do you have pooled budgets for rehabilitation?
- What mechanisms have you got in place for ensuring good joint working between health and social care?
- Do you commission services which provide rapid access for people where their condition is rapidly progressing?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
[Your name and contact details]
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