Practical commissioning: your questions answered about influencing clinical commissioning

Q: Should the clinical commissioning group (CCG) board role be a full-time position for a nurse or does this depend on local strategy? RCN guidance suggests a lead clinician on a board should give up clinical practice in order to sit on a CCG board.

A: I have been a nurse for almost 25 years, a practice nurse for 17 of those. For the vast majority of that time I have worn several hats, maintaining patient contact, work with peers and grassroots nursing. I now find myself in a position where I can simultaneously influence the local healthcare agenda and represent my profession at local, regional and national level. Could I do all of this if I gave up clinical practice completely? I doubt it.