ABSTRACT
This chapter address the issues and highlight some of the pitfalls to avoid in taking total purchasing forward. It is based mainly on experiences in Berkshire but is of general relevance. The Berkshire project was set up using a modified version of Projects IN Controlled Environment, a formal method widely used in the health service for managing projects. The purchasing forum is responsible for the purchasing and contracting aspects of the project, including remaining with the purchasing budget. The group consists of one general practitioner from each of the participating practices, four health authority representatives and the project manager. Funding was obtained from the National Health Service Executive and from Anglia and Oxford regional health authorities for practices, the health authority, and the two main providers, for administrative staff to support the project A project manager of a total purchasing scheme requires knowledge of aspects of health service purchasing, including contracting, information, finance and fundholding, and also project management experience.
