Impact on Health Authorities of the introduction of Primary Care Groups and Trusts

Abstract

The National Tracker Survey of Primary Care Groups (PCGs) and Trusts (PCTs) in the UK has provided evidence about how PCGs and Health Authorities managed the transition to PCTs. This was a major challenge for both organizations. Devolution of responsibilities was dependent on the capacity and readiness of PCGs to take on their new roles. The development of good working relationships between the principal parties was critical to this process. Health Authorities started to let go and all put in place basic mechanisms for holding PCGs to account in their first year. However, a number of PCGs regarded their Health Authority as authoritarian. Most Health Authorities were found to have started to provide information to support PCGs in their core functions, but resources were frequently problematic. It will be important for Health Authorities and PCG/Ts to negotiate a shared view of their respective roles and responsibilities. The future role of Health Authorities in providing strategic leadership for their local health economies was not sufficiently well defined or understood.