Most doctors’ surgeries in Brighton and Hove have voted against a change in “commissioning” that critics feared would create worrying conflicts of interest.
They decided against co-commissioning primary care services – such as local surgeries – along with NHS England, which currently has responsibility.
Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: “The majority of GP practices in Brighton and Hove voted against taking on co-commissioning responsibilities.
“The vote was held on (Tuesday) 29 September at the CCG’s locality meeting, with each of the city’s practices given the opportunity to vote.
“NHS England, which currently commissions the services provided by general practice, invited the CCG to take on responsibility for commissioning these services either jointly with NHS England or with responsibility delegated by NHS England.
“The CCG has held discussions with patients and the public as well as practices before the vote at the CCG’s locality meeting.
“The CCG will now advise NHS England of the outcome of the vote and will not submit an application at this point.
“It is anticipated further opportunities for the CCG to untertake co-commissioning will arise during the next 18 months.
“The CCG will look to develop proposals when approached again as co-commissioning can provide a critical step in joining up the commissioning system and provides an opportunity to localise decisions about commissioning primary care.”
