CCGs and nursing summits

A series of seven clinical commissioning summits were hosted by the RCN and the Open University this summer across England, attracting 170 delegates. The aim was to discuss clinical commissioning from a national and local perspective, develop tools and skills needed for successful commissioning, explore the key role nurses have, and help us support them as they embark on a role in the new commissioning landscape. Each summit featured sessions on influencing skills, using health data, and group work designed to share information and learning.

A key question was how nurses could be supported to get involved in commissioning. Delegates raised the importance of leadership, lobbying, and training, and highlighted the need to provide injections of confidence for those involved in commissioning to encourage and empower them.

The RCN and Open University are currently reviewing the valuable feedback from the events with a view to developing future resources and support.