A short guide to World Class Commissioning

World class commissioning encompasses all primary care trust and clinical commissioning. It is vital that nurses understand this process as it is the vehicle being used to drive through major reform in healthcare as outlined by Lord Darzi in High Quality Care for All in 2008. This paper gives a brief overview of world class commissioning.

WCC is a continuous process to improve public health, reduce health inequalities, and raise standards of health care.

Commissioners should base their decisions on identified health needs. It is crucial that the wider health and care community are involved in commissioning decisions through effective engagement of individuals and communities.

The RCN believes that nurses, with their knowledge and experience of individuals, communities and the public are well placed to influence and shape the design of local services. Strong nursing leadership is key to developing effective partnerships to ensure that patients and the public from high quality person-centred services. Nurses must ensure that they are actively involved in local mechanisms for clinical engagement.

For further information, please email papa.ukintl.dept@rcn.org.uk