Commissioning is the investment of NHS funds to secure the maximum improvement in health and well being outcomes from the available resources.

Commissioning in the NHS is guided by the recent Department of Health policy - World Class Commissioning. This sets out a vision for:

Better health and well-being for all

• People live healthier and longer lives.
• Health inequalities are dramatically reduced.

Better care for all

• Services are evidence based, and of the best quality.
• People have choice and control over the services that they use, so they become more personalised.

Better value for all

• Investment decisions are made in an informed and considered way, ensuring that improvements are delivered within available resources.
• PCTs work with others to optimise effective care.

Commissioning in the Peninsula

Commissioning is the responsibility of Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) of which there are four in the Peninsula:

• Devon Primary Care Trust
• NHS Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
• NHS Plymouth
• Torbay Care Trust

The four PCTs meet regularly to agree how to commission cancer services across the Peninsula (in the Peninsula Cancer Collective Commissioning Group) and are key members of the Peninsula Cancer Network Board.

For further information please contact Jonathan Miller, Commissioning Manager jonathan.miller@nhs.net