In July 2010 the Secretary of State identified four key tests for service change, which are designed to build confidence within the service, with patients and communities. The tests were set out in the revised Operating Framework for 2010-11 and require existing and future reconfiguration proposals to demonstrate:
- Support from GP commissioner
- Strengthened public and patient engagement
- Clarity on the clinical evidence base
- Consistency with current and prospective patient choice.
NHS Lincolnshire works closely with the Strategic Health Authority, GPs, providers (including where appropriate the independent and third sectors), local authorities Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Local Involvement Networks to gather and assess the evidence supporting each of the four tests for planned, ongoing and completed service reconfigurations. There are two processes – one for schemes underway and a second process for new schemes.