Establishing managed clinical networks in paediatric services: experience of partners in paediatrics

Abstract 

Managed clinical networks are increasingly seen as a way of maintaining healthcare services. Already comprehensively introduced in cancer services, this model of service organization has been endorsed in the National Service Framework for Children. Experience to date is that managed clinical networks are not quickly or easily established since (a) arrangements for the commissioning of health services are not conducive to the scale and complexity of clinical networks, and (b) the co-ordination of change across professions and across primary, secondary and tertiary care requires risk-taking, exceptional commitment and broad-based support.

Keywords:  Managed clinical networks, Paediatric services