funded according to local residents' projected need for those services. The local population
makeup will determine how much each PCT gets. That's the theory.
The reality: Sexual health is a new area for many PCTs to think about.
Life is chaos in the PCTs. Few managers are yet in place. At my own north
Liverpool PCT, currently I have just two objectives: to be legal, and
to get everyone paid by the end of each month! Investment is coming and
reform is expected, but it will be any time between August or October
before most have surfaced from the restructuring that's now taking place.
I have been asked the question: 'Is it a disaster for sexual health to
be commissioned by PCTs?' 'Well, we hope not. My guess is if someone is
running a valued service in an area where there's a new PCT responsible,
they won't want to dismantle the service. My advice to specialist service
organisations, particularly non-government ones, is to find out what your
local system is. Keep lobbying your lead commissioner and find someone
who will be attentive to sexual health needs.
page 2 of 8
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An HIV clinic says:
Dr Anton Pozniak (left), consultant at the Kobler
clinic, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, and William Meyer, Strategic
Development Manager:
AP: Too much is going on at once. The NHS is undergoing a major reform
programme while for the first time HIV/Aids services are having to bid
for funding in competition with other hospital
demands.
