We find out what engagement work the different organisations are doing and we work together as much as possible. We also take action on the back of feedback we get from engagement work.
How we hold providers to account
When providers want to make a change to a service, they should let the commissioners know. We then ask about their plans to involve patients in their changes and either get involved as commissioners where that is appropriate, or ask to see the engagement reports before any decisions are made.
Here are some of examples of when that might happen:
- A GP practices wanting to change their services, e.g. Pall Mall closing a branch surgery in Westcliff - we asked them to work closely with their Patient Participation Group, and worked with them to organise drop-in sessions for registered patients. The report went to the Primary Care Commissioning Committee
- Local hospitals wanted to change the way in which they delivered service. We worked with them to launch a major public consultation. Information about the outcome of this consultation is available at: http://v1.nhsmidandsouthessex.co.uk/
Our Quality and Safety team and our Equality Lead are really important in this as they will hear about changes through quality review meetings with providers. We work closely with them to make sure the CCG is asking the right questions, focusing most on those people who will find it hardest to access our services.