Following a review of our operating and commissioning model by NHS Direct and the Department of Health (DH) in 2008, it was agreed that NHS Direct should continue to be commissioned at a national level.
The responsibility for commissioning would transfer from the DH to the East of England Strategic Health Authority (SHA), which will be acting on behalf of all SHAs from 1 April 2009.
Paula Higson, Interim Chief Executive said: ‘Being commissioned by the NHS is very important to us. We hope that the new relationship that we are building with the East of England SHA will bring us closer and make us more accountable to the NHS.’
‘This new arrangement provides us with the opportunity to foster more innovative and patient/ user focused commissioning arrangements with our NHS partners.’
Dr Paul Watson, Director of Commissioning for the East of England, led negotiations on behalf of all SHAs, and expressed his satisfaction.
‘This new direct relationship with NHS Direct provides opportunities for greater integration and localisation of NHS Direct services with SHAs and PCTs throughout England.’
‘We, as the lead commissioner, look forward to managing this key contract with NHS Direct so as to meet the many challenges ahead, and ensure the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders.’
