Changes in primary health care policy: the implications for joint commissioning with social services

Both the primary health care team (PHCT) and social services departments in the UK have undergone substantial changes to their organization and function since 1990. This paper looks at developments in primary health care policy that have affected the relationships between them regarding the commissioning of health and social care services. It focuses on evidence from seven initiatives designed to involve members of the PHCT in commissioning social care services. It examines some of the benefits and challenges of working together to commission services for health authority managers, GPs, district nurses, care managers and social work team managers in the light of impending changes to the PHCT, particularly the abolition of fundholding and the introduction of Primary Care Groups.