Major report into Clinical Commissioning Groups published

The reorganisation of the NHS in England, which will see new Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) - led by GPs - take responsibility for spending some £60 billion of public money, has generated much debate and discussion over the last two years. These groups were established during 2012 and have been preparing their organisations and plans ready to take on their new functions from next April. The Department of Health-funded Policy Research Unit in Commissioning and the Healthcare System (PRUComm) has researched these developments and today (Friday) publishes its first major report about the early development of CCGs. "The study provides the first detailed evidence about the way in which aspirant CCGs have been developing and meeting the challenges associated with their new roles,” said Kath Checkland, from The University of Manchester, who led the research. "We carried out detailed qualitative case studies in eight developing CCGs across England from Sept 2011 to June 2012, as well as conducting web surveys of all developing CCGs at two points in time - December and April. This study provides a comprehensive look at what is happening as the most significant NHS reorganisation in a generation unfolds. Key findings include: There has been a great deal of activity and enthusiasm from leading GPs on the ground as they engage with the new structures.