About the cluster

As a result of the White Paper on Liberating the NHS, the way health services are commissioned will be changing from one of the current Primary Care Trust’s  role to being commissioned by newly formed Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). 

PCTs will be abolished by March 2013 when CCGs will take over the commissioning of primary care services in the area.  In the meantime to manage the transition PCTs will cluster together. 

A cluster will be led by one Chief Executive, supported by one Executive team, a Director of Finance, a Medical Director and Nurse Director and a Director of  commissioning development, who will be responsible for ensuring that the transition to the new commissioning system is managed effectively.

The SHIP PCT Cluster is made up of Southampton City PCT, Hampshire PCT, Isle of Wight PCT, Portsmouth City PCT. 

The priority for the SHIP PCT Cluster will be to manage the transition well, with responsibility for the following:-

• maintaining a clear focus on delivery (financial and operational performance, implementation of QIPP and reform plans

• maintaining a clear focus on safety and quality during the transition, including the delivery of the statutory duties of the existing PCTs and the robust management of risk

• supporting the establishment of the new Clinical Commissioning Group (CCGs) ensuring the development of robust commissioning support services for future CCGs

• supporting the development of the new Health and Wellbeing Boards

• overseeing the transfer of the Public Health function into each of the local authorities

• ensuring the delivery of the plans to ensure that all Trusts in the SHIP Cluster achieve Foundation Trust status

• undertaking the commissioning duties of the new National Commissioning Board, until such time as this is established.