Introduction

Each year NHS Dudley receives funds from the Department of Health to provide health services to people who live in Dudley. We use this money to buy care from local hospitals, GPs, dentists, pharmacists, opticians and some voluntary and private sector organisations. The buying of health services is also known as commissioning.

Commissioning in the NHS is the process of ensuring that the health and care services provided effectively meet the needs of the population.

It is a complex process with responsibilities ranging from assessing population needs, prioritising health outcomes, procuring products and services, and managing service providers.

This section will tell you how we commission, or buy, services for the Dudley Borough.