NHS England has an overarching role to ensure that the NHS delivers better outcomes for patients within its available resources, and that services are commissioned in ways that support consistency in ensuring high standards of quality across the country.
NHS England has regional teams to act as its ‘local arms’ to discharge its responsibilities.
NHS England is responsible for:
- Supporting the development and assurance of CCGs
- Commissioning all primary care (including General Ophthalmic Services)
- Commissioning specialist services, offender healthcare and some health services for the armed forces
NHS England’s local teams are also responsible for emergency planning, they provide system oversight, and ensure quality and safety.
NHS England has delegated the responsibility for recognising and liaising with local representative committees (including LOCs) to its local teams. The key contact in these teams for LOCs will be the Head of Primary Care.