Cathal Daly/Professional
Pharmacist Cathal Daly has had a long career with the organisations which eventually evolved to form Norfolk PCT, previously holding the positions of head of prescribing and head of medicines management. More recently, he was the medicines category manager at the NHS East of England Collaborative Procurement Hub. The holder of a masters degree in business administration (MBA), he continues to work as a pharmacist for a retail pharmacy chain in Norwich. Here, he talks through what a PCT is looking for when a request for the Baha procedure is made and how to put forward the very best case possible.
In order for a child or adult to be considered for a Baha assessment, a written letter of referral from the consultant otolaryngologist, audiological physician or a GP at their local practice should be sent to the consultant ENT surgeon or coordinator at the appropriate Baha programme.
Applications can often rely on a good relationship between the purchaser and funder (Baha programme and PCT) and when a trust and understanding is built up between the two parties.
Answering all the questions up front and full disclosure can speed up the response procedure and remove any suspicion from funding applications. Meeting all the needs of funding managers makes it easier to agree finance.
Equity of care requires that PCTs have to treat funding applications for a wide range of procedures using the same standard process. So sticking to the uniform approach expected is likely to have a better chance of success.
A business case – a professional’s guide
PCTs are just like any other business and expect a viable business case to be presented to them when they are being asked for funding. Funding decisions must be seen to be commercially robust and applications for funding must take the form of a transparent and reasoned case.
The use of a proven standard business case template can often improve the application. If the appropriate information is presented in a clear and concise way, Funding Managers are more likely to understand and approve requests. And once you adopt a standard format, the preparation of applications will be quicker and easier.
By putting forward a good business case for funding to a PCT, you will be giving your patient the best chance of the positive outcome to benefit from the procedure.
For professionals interested in how to put forward a business case please email cathaljohndaly@googlemail.com
