The process for applying for funding from the community hospital and services programme is as follows:
Primary care trusts interested in applying for funding should, as a first step, and in partnership with their local practice based commissioners, local community and stakeholders develop or review current plans for community services (including existing community hospitals) against the design principles, as set out in “Our health, our care, our community: investing in the future of community hospitals and services”.
PCTs should then submit their proposals to their respective strategic health authorities (SHAs).
The SHAs will assess the bids submitted, and check that they meet local need, demonstrate value for money, and meet with their strategic priorities. Those that satisfy these criteria, will then be passed on to the Department for further consideration.