An important contribution was made also by the Health Services Accreditation Unit. The health authority also developed a set of standards to guide the development of primary care administrative systems. They are free to use the grant in any way they choose. A series of 'entry criteria' has been established - such as the availability of disease registers and written clinical protocols. GPs have to 'sign-up' to audits to demonstrate compliance with the standards.
Payment is subject to satisfactory progress reports.
Disease registers set up Written protocols undertaken by team members Complete audits undertaken to demonstrate compliance Special arrangements have been made to enable practices working within deprived areas to join the programme - with an incremental approach to the achievement of standards. Two main activities have been put in place to support practices' involvement in the programme. GP Support Groups allow problems being faced by individual GP and practices to be discussed and resolved. These are centred on local hospitals so that hospital consultants can support them. The groups are facilitated by staff from the health authority and encourage multi-disciplinary working.