CSU numbers drop again

The steady process of attrition of commissioning support units is continuing, with the NHS Commissioning Board announcing that another two CSUs are to merge.

CSUs are being set up to provide IT and other support services to the clinical commissioning groups that will start work on 1 April, when the ‘Liberating the NHS’ reforms finally take effect.

The Department of Health initially estimated that between 25 and 35 CSUs could be set up. But the number going through the NHS CB’s authorisation process has steadily fallen.

The latest merger, between West Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Commissioning Support Unit, reduces the number to just 19.

These are due to move to their host organisations – the NHS CB and, for the larger data management and integration centres, the NHS Information Centre – is now due to take place next month.

The DH and the NHS CB have always made it clear that they expect CSUs to become free-standing organisations eventually, via a process of “externalisation”, raising concerns that important elements of the commissioning process could pass into private hands.

Alison Hughes, who has been the managing director of West Yorkshire CSU, will take over the leadership of the merged NHS West and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Commissioning Support Unit.

The role of Commissioning Support Units, and the services that they will be able to offer to clinical commissioners, will be discussed at EHI’s latest event, Information for Commissioning, which takes place in London on 15 May.

To see the full programme and to book a place, visit the Information for Commissioning website. For information about exhibiting, contact Neil Hadland.