Engagement on proposed revisions to Clinical Reference Groups in specialised commissioning

Overview

Clinical advice and leadership is central to the success of improving patient care and ensuring  best value is achieved from the resources available to the NHS. Clinical Reference Groups (CRGs) within specialised commissioning play an important role in this.

NHS England has listened to feedback from CRG members and wider stakeholders on how well the current system is working through workshops for chairs and patient and public voice members held over the past 18 months. We have also listened to feedback from CRG members and wider stakeholders through the Investing in Specialised Services public consultation in 2015.   

NHS England believes that the proposed revisions to CRGs along with the additional resources we are proposing to invest into the CRG infrastructure, will significantly strengthen their ability to support the delivery of high quality and affordable specialised services whilst also ensuring value for money and the sustainability of CRGs in the longer term.   

We are now keen to hear the views of CRG members and wider stakeholders on the proposals which are set out in detail in the engagement guide.