Agenda item

Bev Searle, Director of Joint Commissioning, NHS Berkshire outlined a report on 'Any Qualified Provider' (AQP) initiative and its local implications.  The Panel was advised that AQP was a national programme to offer patients more choice and drive up standards of care.  Under the proposal patients would be able to choose where appropriate from a range of qualified providers and select the one that best met their needs.  The services chosen for AQP in Berkshire were Adult Hearing Services in the Community, Ophthalmology (not diagnostic tests closer to home as shown in the report) and Podiatry Services. 

The Panel noted details of the engagement process and that key stakeholders had been invited to respond to the questionnaire by 30^th September, 2011. 

Resolved -  That the report be noted and that the Panel has no objection to the proposals made for the services extended through AQP.