Primary Care Networks (PCN) update – July 2019
The start of this month saw the deadline for primary care networks to be finalised with CCGs. There have been a number of developments since our last newsletter:
PCN process in London
The process of forming PCNs in London is nearly complete, save for a couple of issues. We know that despite local requests, the 30,000 “hard bottom” limit on PCN patient numbers is not open to variation/ flex in Greater London. A small number of PCNs are yet to have their configurations confirmed, due to unaligned practices, and there are some ongoing queries regarding the contractual variation mechanism for delivering the DES. Finally, we are still awaiting the template data sharing agreement.
Clinical Director support
We are about to write to PCN Clinical Directors to offer continued LMC help with the development of their PCNs. In particular, with support on reviewing local contract offers that are being developed as additions to the DES prior to being signed. We will continue to work with commissioners to ensure that any ‘offer’ to PCNs of additional requirements via an extension to the DES do not expose the PCNs, and their member practices, to unacceptable risk; and that any local contract is safe, deliverable, and sufficiently funded. The LMC will also continue to support practices and networks.
Updated PCN Model Schedules
We continue to look at our PCN Model Schedules and listen to queries, and the latest revisions are intended to further help PCNs develop tailored Schedules. This updated version has an additional guide on the appointment and election of the Clinical Director and advice on voting methods and dispute resolution. It is up to each PCN to take appropriate legal and other relevant specialist advice to ensure the schedules are fit for individual needs. This is an iterative process and changes can be made to Schedules after this date, with the agreement of Members.
We have also produced the next in our series of Keep It Simple guides, which covers the timeline of PCNs over the next nine months.
Download the Model Schedules and our Keep It Simple guides from our dedicated GP Contract page.
PCN Accelerators scrapped
NHS England has formally scrapped its plans to fund select PCNs to act as accelerator sites to evaluate the best methods of quickly developing PCNs. This money will instead be rolled into STP level funds which have already been earmarked for supporting PCN development, with funding allocated based on STP patient populations.
Last updated : 02 Aug 2019Places going fast at Londonwide LMCs’ annual conference on 20 April 2016 - don't miss out, book your place today (04 Feb 2016)
Mword - Issue 27 - February 2016 now available (04 Feb 2016)
4 February 2016 Dear Colleague, If not now, when? Saturday’s Special Conference of LMCs effectively declared...Junior doctors industrial action (20 Jan 2016)
The junior doctors’ strike on Tuesday 12 January drew widespread support from the public and across the medical profession. At the time of writing the 26 January strike has...Special LMC Conference motions (20 Jan 2016)
The motions for the Special LMC Conference 2016 are now public and can be found in the agenda for the day. The conference is on Saturday 30 January at...Queen’s Nursing Institute survey of GP nurses (20 Jan 2016)
The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) launched a major new report on general practice nursing on Monday 18 January. The report is based on an online survey completed by over 3,400...Londonwide LMCs' January 2016 Newsletter now available (20 Jan 2016)
Londonwide LMCs NewsletterNational record movement trial by Primary Care Support England (19 Jan 2016)
Primary Care Support England (PCSE) is conducting a national record movement trial using a blank document in place of a medical record. This is in preparation for a new system...RCGP North and West London events coming up (19 Jan 2016)
Minor surgery including DOPS refresher course – one day course: 10 February at the Medical Society of London This one day course designed by GPs, plastic surgeons, dermatologists and GPwSIs...Health Select Committee highlights confusion among Ministers regarding primary care (19 Jan 2016)
On Tuesday 13 January Alistair Burt MP, primary care Minister at the Department of Health, appeared before the Health Select Committee to give evidence as part of their Inquiry into...Practice Manager Leads Forum (PMLF) – 28 January 2016 (19 Jan 2016)
The next forum will take place on Thursday 28 January 2016 at 9.30am. If you are a lead practice manager and currently represent practice managers at a LMC, Federation or...Guidance
We provide expert guidance for practices in our guidance section, as well as an archive of other materials you may find useful.
GP Support
Contact our GP Support team if you need help or advice.
The team provide professional and pastoral support to GPs and practice teams on a broad range of issues.