A PANEL that sets the standard for how effectively PCTs commission health services has highlighted ways in which NHS Warrington could improve.

The World Class Commissioning Panel’s (WCCP) report, which focuses on improving patient health and promoting high quality services, deemed that the PCT’s ‘significant’ financial challenges must be addressed.

The WCCP recommended that last year’s £13 million budget overspend should be tackled with an action plan for 2010/11 that contains suitable control measures and milestones.

The panel said the PCT could do this by being explicit in its investment decisions and by communicating those messages to stakeholders. It also suggested that the PCT monitor the consequences of past investments so as not to make the same mistakes again.

The PCT’s strategic recovery committee, set up in response to the overspend, was encouraged to ensure that plans to deliver efficient services were both realistic and achievable.

The report also stated that the PCT could further establish itself as the leader of the borough’s health services by forging a better relationship with Warrington Hospital and collaborating with clinics.

The panel recognised that the PCT had worked hard to improve its bond with Warrington Borough Council but needed to develop this further.

NHS Warrington did improve in six of 11 areas examined, particularly working with community partners, engaging with the public and patients and assessing people’s needs.

Findings also showed that NHS Warrington had managed to lower cases of infection Clostridium difficile and alcohol related hospital admissions but deaths caused by heart disease were still higher than average and breastfeeding uptake low.

Sixty-five per cent of people in Warrington agreed the PCT had improved services and that an online programme had helped provide feedback.

The PCT was praised for promoting the Healthy Warrington programme, which aims to improve the public’s overall well-being, and this was given as a good example of how the organisation understands its community.

The panel asked that the PCT continue the good work by making sure patients know exactly what options are available to them, with an emphasis on targeting vulnerable patients with complex health needs.