NHS Hull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is one of only 20 CCGs in the country to be rated as ‘outstanding’ under NHS England’s annual assessment scores which are published today.
This is the second year running that NHS Hull CCG has been classed as ‘outstanding’ in NHS England’s ‘Ofsted’ style ratings. All 195 CCGs in England are evaluated every year for leadership, their financial performance, delegated functions and planning. NHS England was particularly impressed that the CCG has maintained the highest possible rating for 2017/18, against strengthened assessment criteria and in a challenging year for the NHS.
A strong team approach and developing strong partnerships were highlighted within the annual review, and Hull CCG was particularly commended for the work it has done in supporting general practices to come together to work on a larger scale within 5 practice groupings, and the work to redesign services within primary care to reduce the variation in quality and access for local patients.
Another area singled out for praise was the continued close working relationship with Hull City Council, which has resulted in a joint financial plan for health and social care and the process for reviewing and commissioning services, which is now done jointly between the two organisations.
One of the key areas of focus for NHS Hull CCG in the last 12 months has been the development of a community frailty pathway, which involves GPs identifying older, more vulnerable residents and taking a proactive approach to anticipating their health and care needs and providing this in the community, therefore reducing the need for hospital admission. The recently opened Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre supports the delivery of this new model of care, and NHS England was particularly impressed with this innovative new centre and associated programme of work to support older people.
Emma Latimer said:
“We are delighted to have received an outstanding rating for a second year running. This accolade is testament to the hard work and dedication of our CCG staff, local GPs and other health professionals and the support and collaborative approach of our wider public and voluntary sector partners. I would also like to thank our CCG Board members for their support and providing strategic direction. We all believe passionately about doing the right thing for our local population.”
“I feel that this year in particular we are beginning to see tangible benefits of our plans and initiatives such as the new frailty pathway and the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre. These really do have the power to change people’s lives for the better.”
Partners who work with the CCG say:
“We’re very pleased to see our CCG colleagues retain their outstanding rating, it’s a reflection of how hard staff at all levels have worked to continue delivering the very best possible standard of care for people in Hull in the face of continued financial pressures. We work more closely with the CCG than ever before since moving to integrated commissioning – which is just a way of working in partnership to use our resources better, share information and have a clearer picture of local needs. The outstanding rating is a sign this is working just as intended and from here we’ll continue with what we’ve been doing and carry on striving to improve quality of life for Hull people”.
Cllr Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for public health
“It’s very reassuring for both our trust and the public to see Hull CCG rated ‘Outstanding’ today. We have well established joint working arrangements in place to ensure patients and the public can access high quality, timely care and treatment, and it is great to see this work and the positive outcomes for patients widely acknowledged.”
Chris Long, Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust.
“We’re absolutely delighted NHS Hull CCG has once again been rated as ‘outstanding’ and we’re incredibly proud to work in partnership with them. This rating is testament to the exceptional and innovative leadership provided by this organisation as it continues to push forward for a healthier Hull.”
Tim Wigglesworth, Chief Executive at Hull Citycare, (CCG Estates Partner)
Emma Latimer concluded:
“I am immensely proud of my whole team for the work they do. To have maintained our position as one of the top performing CCGs in the country is no small achievement. This is great news for the city and the people we serve.”
