Background
The North Central London CardioVascular & Stroke Network established in 2005, is one of five Networks in London. They are accountable to the London Commissioning Group, chaired by the Chief Executive of NHS London.
The Networks are also part of a national agenda implemented by NHS Improvement. This organisation works closely with the Department of Health, trusts, clinical networks, other health authorities and charities to help deliver key strategies and policies with a focus on quality, productivity and innovation.
Objectives
The objective of NHS Networks is to bring together clinicians, other professionals and managers from all constituent organisations so that they can work together in a more collaborative way to improve services and pathways of patients care across their relevant trusts.
During 2007, a national assessment of centrally funded bodies approved the continuation of Cardiac Networks, to support strong and informed commissioning of cardiac services. In parallel, the Department of Health released the National Stroke Strategy (2007) which set out a clear role for Networks to support local implementation of the stroke agenda. As a result, in late 2007 the North Central London Cardiac Network Board opted for the establishment of a joint Network Board, straddling both cardiac and stroke services.
The future of Networks
Although the reformation of the NHS is still at a white paper stage, the clinical networks have been given funding until March 2012.