12 July 2010

Peter Holbrook, CEO of the Social Enterprise Coalition said:

“Liberating the NHS,” the Health’s White Paper published July 12 supports an NHS that is based on more choices for patients, increased focus on outcomes, and greater autonomy for staff and service users - these are principles that social enterprises are wholly committed to.

SEC welcomes the high level commitment outlined in the White Paper to creating the largest social enterprise sector in the world as well as the proposal for all NHS trusts to become employee-led social enterprises. However there does seem to be some confusion in the document as to the differences between Foundation Trusts and social enterprises. There needs to be greater understanding of the differences between these two organisational forms and the different roles they can play as part of the landscape for healthcare in England.

The other key reform with implications for social enterprise is the proposed change which will see GPs take charge of commissioning all local services.
Placing commissioning under the control of GPs could in theory create a market that encourages more locally tailored, patient focussed social enterprise solutions. However, this will require a considerable shift in the capacity of GPs as commissioners – without this there is a considerable danger that the market will be dominated by large providers that will stifle innovation, limit choice and squeeze out smaller, local providers who may be best placed to deliver the improved health outcomes the Government wishes to see.

“We look forward to working with the Department of Health to help them realise their ambitions for social enterprises to help improve the future of healthcare in England.” 

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