GPs in Rotherham have already begun to work alongside NHS Rotherham to establish a borough-wide Commissioning Consortium by April 2012, commissioning local health services for the public in response to the Government’s White Paper, Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS.
 
Dr David Tooth, Rotherham GP and Chair of the Rotherham Commissioning Executive said: “It is positive news that Rotherham Commissioning Executive has been approved for the GP Consortia Pathfinder Programme.
 
“There is real commitment from GPs in Rotherham, working alongside NHS Rotherham, to make the new model for commissioning health services work. We are fortunate that we have a sound health system in Rotherham with many good services and good financial management which provides us with an excellent base from which to start. Over the next two years we will be working hand in hand with NHS Rotherham to draw on the expertise already in the system to ensure that we maintain current high standards and seek improvement wherever possible.”
 
Andy Buck, Chief Executive, NHS Rotherham, said: “We are pleased to be working so closely with our GP colleagues to support them during the development of the future commissioning model for Rotherham.  We are facing a challenging time ahead in order to meet the demand for services within tightening budgets. Working with GPs we will meet this challenge to maintain and improve the quality of care for patients locally.”
 
GP pathfinders will be supported nationally by the National Clinical Commissioning Network, the National Leadership Council, and by the national primary care bodies, such as the Royal College of GPs’ Centre for Commissioning.