Report of a Clinical Governance Review at Harlow Primary Care Trust

Harlow Primary Care Trust (the PCT) was established in April 2001 from the former Harlow Primary Care Group and part of Essex & Herts Community NHS Trust. The PCT provides primary and community healthcare and commissions acute health services for the people of Harlow in Essex. It has 11 general practices and in October 2002 took over responsibility for 10 dental practices, 13 pharmacies and seven opticians. The PCT is the lead commissioner on behalf of neighbouring PCTs for acute services provided by Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and East & North Herts NHS Trust. The PCT needs to ensure the profile of clinicalgovernance is raised and that implementation is supported and monitored systematically across the organisation. The PCT needs to ensure the assessment and management of clinical and non clinical risk is structured, coordinated and integrated across the organisation. This should include the establishment of formal reporting mechanisms.