PLANS to hand over the commissioning of health services to GPs has taken another step forward in this area with the announcement of six Pathfinder consortia. The six GP groups include C4 Canterbury and Whitstable practice.

GPs were asked to apply to become Pathfinders and they will pilot the Tory/Lib Dem coalition government’s new commissioning arrangements set out in the Health and Social Care Bill published last week.

The groups will work together to manage their local budgets and buy services for patients direct. They will now begin testing the new arrangements to ensure they are working well before GP consortia take on responsibilities from April, 2013.

Dr Mark Jones from C4 Canterbury said: “GP consortia, given the support and necessary resources to do the job properly, will be in a prime position to deliver health care that is fit for the future. But the work must start now and build on the engagement that already exists.

“This must not be about just another reorganisation but recognising that this is an opportunity to build on the values and quality of general practice and, working with clinical and managerial colleagues, develop integrated services that are affordable and truly aim to improve patient care.”

Dr John Ribchester from Whitstable Medical Practice said: “Becoming a pathfinder will allow Whitstable Medical Practice to expedite work in progress to develop better health outcomes and an improved healthcare experience at less cost to the NHS. We look forward to gaining more influence in shaping healthcare, while at the same time we accept an increase in responsibility. We look forward to working closely with east Kent clinicians, managers and patients as we move forwards.”