Our experience supports the view of the NAO in that PCTs do indeed welcome "a long-term approach under local strategic direction together with national support and standardised documentation"4. It is for this reason that we have closely monitored recent communications from the Department of Health regarding changes to the future role and configuration of PCTs, and how these changes may impact upon LIFT ventures.
LOBI notes the rapidity of recent Department of Health moves to alter the role of PCTs, from providers to commissioners of primary care. While we understand the desire to move forward with the modernisation of the health service, we encourage the Department to continue to consult widely on changes to the nature of primary and social care. Given the extremely positive Report from the NAO any reconfigurations to primary health care should continue to include LIFT as an essential element of the system.
The LIFT scheme has been tried and tested. It has been proven to work flexibly and effectively within a wide range of health frameworks to deliver on tangible health improvement goals. It strikes a vital balance between public and private sector involvement in an approach which offers breadth and focus. Reliable long term investment in healthcare facilities is ensured and can be channelled to areas of high deprivation which might otherwise be neglected under different procurement methods.
Dozens of communities have already been given a vital boost by LIFT ventures. It is crucial that they continue to be supported in this manner and that the scheme is expanded in order that more areas may benefit.
The Government White Paper on out-of-hospital care, due to be published at the end of 2005, will form the basis of future developments in health and community care. LIFT LOBI is engaging fully with the current pre-publication consultation process.
LIFT LOBI members look forward to the publication of the White Paper and to working with all partners to guarantee the future of modern, patient-led health care in England with LIFT at the heart of this vision.
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4 C&AG's Report, p 2.