New Vision & Values for NHS PCT in Bucks.

The Aylesbury Vale Primary Care Trust was formed against a backdrop of modernisation of the NHS. These reforms were introduced so that users of the service could be offered more effective care, opportunities for a healthier lifestyle and more involvement in planning and implementation of local services.

The application for the creation of the Aylesbury Vale PCT was an outcome of a close working partnership with PCGs, Community Trusts, Bucks Health Authority, Social Services and Oxford Community Trust. There was a strong belief that moving from a Primary Care Group to a Primary Care Trust, Aylesbury Vale PCT would provide the best way of improving the health, and meeting the health and social care needs of the people in its catchment area.

Clare Blakeway-Phillips, Director of Primary Care and Development, invited Consultant Nick Belcher to tender for a development programme for the newly formed Aylesbury Vale PCT. The proposal comprised a series of five workshops for the Board and Clinical Executive Committee with the purposes of clarifying roles and responsibilities and agreeing organisational vision and values. Other purposes included developing leadership styles, making meetings work and getting things done in co-operation with others.

A process of involvement and learning

Clare Blakeway-Phillips and Nick Belcher started work with on stage 1 and gathered information and an understanding of people’s needs. This quickly led to the design and implementation of stage 2, the Triumvirate Workshop. The purpose for this was to take a fresh look at how the PCT Chair, Chief Executive and Chair of the Clinical Executive Committee would work together in the new structure. Other purposes were to clarify roles and responsibilities and to review communication processes.

Stage three, the Board Development workshop was designed to fulfil the purpose of taking a fresh look at working in teams and in particular, looking at how the board will inter act with the Clinical Executive committee. The challenge was to involve the public lay members of the Board who worked part time.

Then the project progressed to Stage four and in June 2001 Nick Belcher facilitated a two day workshop for the newly formed Clinical Executive. The purposes for this event were broadly the same as for the Board workshop. Stage five was a one day workshop for both the Board and Clinical Executive Committee with purposes of taking an overview of the Organisational Development plan and summarising the vision and values and how they impact on the Board and Executive Committee.

A firm basis on which to build

On completion of the work Nick Belcher said “ It’s been a tough but rewarding experience that has involved all the key players. The objectives were met and as a result of this work, people were very clear about the overall purpose of the new PCT and all participated in the formation of a clear vision statement that everyone bought in to and this participation helped people to identify and understand the skills and expertise that others could offer.”
On the issue of values, he said “ Fundamental beliefs were reflected in the production of a set of values and standards for everyone in the whole organisation to work to. This so important as it encourages respect and co-operation between people and departments and it also helps to improve communications”

Another vital outcome was the clarification and agreement of individual roles and responsibilities and those of the Board and Clinical Executive.