We want to make sure the language we use on this website is clear and easy to understand, and we have created this glossary to explain some of the words and terms which are commonly used to describe our local health and care services.
You can suggest new words or terms to be added to our glossary using the form at the bottom of the page.
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Clinical
Clinical care means the treatment and care patients receive from our health services. -
Clinical Commissioning Group
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are local NHS bodies responsible for deciding which health services are required to meet the needs of their populations, and then planning, funding and monitoring those services from NHS providers. -
Commissioners
Commissioners are the organisations that plan, agree, procure, fund and then monitor our health and social care services. Our commissioners in Northamptonshire include Nene and Corby Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), Northamptonshire County Council and NHS England. -
Commissioning
Commissioning is the continual process of planning, agreeing, procuring, funding and then monitoring our health and social care services. -
Community health services
Community health services are NHS services provided outside hospital and at home, including community nursing, health visiting and mental health care. -
Contracts
Contracts are the formal agreements which determine the services our health and care providers deliver.