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Benefits and Constraints from LSP Engagement |
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Benefits A key driver for the NHS is not only to treat the unwell but to promote better health amongst the whole population. However, factors outside the control of the NHS do have a significant impact on the health and well-being of the population that the PCT serves. Working as part of the LSP the PCT can help direct wider policy – such as housing, education and neighbourhood renewal – to ensure that developments have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the population. The PCTs can also help to develop a higher local profile for health issues – ensuring that the responsibility for providing the conditions and support necessary for a healthier population are shared by all. In Dudley, the PCT works closely with Social Services to ensure that care is provided at the right time, in the right way and in the right place to those who need it – a partnership that has proved invaluable to providing better care in the borough. In addition, working as part of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership, the wider issue of health inequalities in Dudley is now being tackled with a partnership forum, where the responsibility for issues such as smoking cessation and teenage pregnancy are shared in a multi-agency approach. Overall, the benefit for Dudley’s PCT’s as part of the Local Strategic Partnership is to improve the way we deliver care, to provide more personalised support to people in the Borough who need it and to build upon a strong record of service delivery. Constraints NHS requirements on PCTs that “appropriate consent is obtained … for use of any confidential patient information” and “staff treat patient information confidentially, except where authorised by legislation to the contrary”, means that even within the NHS there can be problems sharing data. Some LSPs have found it difficult to obtain data from their PCT. PCTs and their LSP partners may need to work up protocols on data sharing to manage concerns. While local health services must be involved with PCTs as a statutory requirement, it is no more than an ‘expectation’ that they should be interested and involved in the work of LSPs. Under pressure of time and other resources, it is likely that for many health professionals PCT-related work would take precedence over their work with the LSP. For commercial reasons, some GPs are unwilling to disclose details of the general health of their patient populations. |
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© Dudley Community Partnership, Studio Unit 47, Waterfront East , Brierley Hill , West Midlands, DY5 1XJ |
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