Implementation of the Health and Social Care Act 2012

The main provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 come into effect on 1 April 2013. The Health Committee has decided to examine how prepared the NHS is to move to the new system of commissioning, and seeks comments on the following issues in particular:

• The state of readiness of the NHS Commissioning Board (including in respect of: commissioning services directly; authorising Clinical Commissioning Groups; establishing Local Area Teams)
• The state of readiness  and capability of Clinical Commissioning Groups
• The effect on the commissioning of services of the requirement to provide for competition and patient choice
• The effect on patient care of the transition to the new system
• The preparedness of Health and Wellbeing Boards (including the definition of the role of HWBs locally; level of engagement by commissioners and health and care professionals)
• The financial health of local health economies (including the financial legacy from PCTs)
• The lines of accountability in the new system (including how effectively the accountability mechanisms may highlight issues concerning patient safety or adequate service provision)
• The preparedness of Health Education England
• The preparedness of local authorities and Public Health England to take over responsibility for public health
• The role of the Secretary of State and the Department of Health in the new system

The deadline for submitting written evidence is midday on Wednesday 24 April 2013.

• Guidance for submitting written evidence