Speaking exclusively to GPonline.com, Dr Johnny Marshall said it would be ‘foolish’ to say clinical commissioning model will work ‘100% all the time’.
But he said there would ‘not be many areas’ where clinical commissioning would not work.
He said: ‘It may be that in some parts of the country it will not be the right model, in places where things work and think differently. Here we will need a different model … it would be an even better way for that particular area.’
Meanwhile, Dr Marshall raised concerns that the softening of the commissioning timetable – GPs are no longer expected to take on full commissioning responsibility in April 2013 - could result in a two-tier system.
He said by April 2013 more than 50% of clinical commissioning consortia would need to be authorised to ensure momentum is not lost.
Providing proper support for fledgling CCGs and groups that have taken on full responsibility would be key to ensuring GP grasp the agenda, he said.
He said: ‘By April 2013 there should be a real sense that this [clinical commissioning model] is the way business should be done.
‘Through 2013/14 we really need to understand what the barriers are for those groups who are yet to get authorised, and what we need to accelerate to ensure they are ready.’
But he said there should not be a ‘specific date’ by which all CCGs should take on full responsibility.
