How do the GPCos work with the wider NHS?
One of the main advantages of developing partnerships with GPs is to ensure that the local health economy is not destabilised by the development of inappropriate, duplicated services that are not needed in a given area. Assura, working with the GPs in the GPCo, aims to work closely with PCTs, acute providers and PCOs to ensure that new services and pathways complement existing local circumstances and provide better, more cost-effective and streamlined services for patients. One of the first tasks for any new GPCo is to meet with commissioners and relevant provider companies to understand their priorities and pressures and to see what mutual opportunities might exist across the companies. This may include helping the PCT to meet its commissioning priorities, or helping the acute provider with 18 week targets by developing intermediate community based services. It is this vision of Assura, working in partnership with local GPs that enables truly integrated pathways for patients and the p
