Peter Rolfson

Commissioning Support for London (CSL) was launched in April 2009 and is funded by the 31 London primary care trusts (PCTs). Its aim is to support PCTs to become world-class commissioners and to deliver the Healthcare for London strategy. CSL is a unique organisation in the NHS, providing business-to-business support to London PCTs by developing products and services that make commissioning easier. Products include tools such as claims and contract management solutions, provider performance analysis and a health needs analysis toolkit, which provides a single point of access for commissioners to analyse health requirements in their area. Alongside this, CSL supports existing and new pan-London projects, helping PCTs and sectors to implement the Healthcare for London strategy. This includes development of commissioning guidelines for PCTs and sectors, for example in areas such as stroke, cancer, mental health and cardiovascular services. Both London’s Quality Observatory and the London Health Observatory are managed by CSL, while having national and regional affiliations and responsibilities.