Newsletter

Abstract

Highlights in Update 88 Section 3. Contracts and finance Welcome to the May update of the Handbook of Practice Management. 1 April 2013 marked the end of the NHS as we knew it and the beginning of the new order following the implementation of the Health and Social Care Act. This Act brought in the most radical reform of the NHS since it was founded in 1948. Many Clinical Commissioning Groups were 'authorised' and hold major purse strings. Local authorities have new responsibilities and funding for public health, and will take a greater role in improving health and reducing health inequalities. The establishment of Health and Well Being Boards hosted by local authorities bring together the NHS, public health, adult social care and children's services, including elected representatives and Local Healthwatch, to plan how best to meet the needs of their local population and tackle local inequalities in health. These are just three of our many changes which will have a major impact on the NHS, GP practices and the care of patients.