When PTCs are abolished and replaced by GP-led NHS services - what is going to happen to all the existing relationships between PCTs and the public?

Over the years, and sometime at great cost, ties have been built up both formally and informally between PCTs and the community though patient groups, carers' groups, enthusiastic passionate NHS representatives and community members.

The ties have been developed through community work, social networks and social media, through mailists, forums, newsletters and traditional media channels.

The development of ties between people from different backgrounds and neighbourhoods is called bridging capital - the ability to bridge the social gap between community members - and it is invaluable.

Through these relationships flows local knowledge, mutual trust and the ability to shape services.

While much of the current focus in NHS reform has been on financial capital, we may be losing something equally important. What will happen to those connections which have taken years and a lot of resources to build up?

To give an example, Rob Benson from NHS Birmingham East and North was telling me he had a few contacts who could offer translate into various languages if needed - an invaluable commmodity which has been discoverd through relationships.

When PCTs are abolished, how do we transfer and maintain those relationships?

We have seen the growth of PALS and LINk networks and services such as Patient Opinion which has brought the needs and experiences of the public within reach of the NHS, however these services are still developing.

Critics may argue that historically there has been an erosion in the relationships between local communities and public sector services and that possibly a fresh start and fresh approach to engagement from GP led consortia is needed.

However there will be areas where relationships are working well with communities and local knowledge is influencing healthcare.     

Will the disappearance of PCTs mean the loss of these ties and the reduction in knowledge sharing? Will there be the need to use various ways to build up social capital, including using web technologies?

What can be done to ensure the survival of these relationships or do we allow a naturally evolution of public engagement through these new breed of public advocate services?

Will future GP consortia be in a position to build social capital on a large scale or can services like NHS local, Patient Opinon LINk, PALS or any of the hyperlocal sites springing up help to develop these social ties?

Post by Carl Plant, community manager NHS local