The report, titled The legacy of primary care trusts, assesses the performance of PCTs from their launch in 2000 to the present, as they ‘cluster’ ahead of their phasing out by April 2013.

Despite PCTs having often been the subject of considerable criticism, evidence shows they have collectively delivered what was asked of them in almost all major policy areas.

Lessons for the future

The report stresses the importance of taking a realistic and balanced view of PCTs’ achievements in order to learn lessons for the future, when local commissioning responsibilities are transferred to clinical commissioning groups.

Similarly, evidence of the progress made by PCTs should be acknowledged so that future commissioning organisations and policy makers learn from past good practices.

Identifying obstacles

The report points out that factors such as PCTs’ frequent reorganisation, increase in duties and responsibilities, and reduction in numbers pose challenges to an objective evaluation of their effectiveness.

Strong local leadership

Although PCT performance has varied greatly, across the board they failed to reduce health inequalities within and between areas. The report identifies strong local leadership - within individual PCTs, and extending to their partners and local authorities - to be integral in helping PCTs successfully meet the needs of the local population. 

Download the paper.

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