The All Party Parliamentary Group on Primary Care and Public Health ha said that the Clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) should have freedom to take their own decisions but must be accountable to the authorities.

The new report states that the NHS Commissioning Board is aiming for CCGs to use its systems and processes to facilitate effective public and patient involvement and influence. The report is based on evidence from 23 different bodies looking into the proposed changes to the NHS.

Julie Elliott, who is a MP for Sunderland Central and the Chair of the group said, “We have to minimise the possibility of postcode healthcare, which means it is imperative that structures and frameworks around CCGs’ performance is scrutinized by the NHS Commissioning Board.”

Another panel member and Secretary of the Group, Baroness Masham pointed out that accountability is not essential and groups must have the freedom to implement innovative techniques.

The report also states that CCGs invite patients and the public on to CCG Boards and said that the boards should include other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, nurses, and practice managers to ensure services.

Elliott also said that there should be better integration between primary and secondary care in order to manage hospital admissions.