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 2019Responsible Oxygen Prescribing (04 Sep 2015)
The London Respiratory Network have asked us to re-circulate a copy of the London Clinical Oxygen Network (LCON) key messages for Responsible Oxygen use in adults...Patient Complaints - The DOs and DON'Ts - two half day workshops, Thursday 7 October 2015 (03 Sep 2015)
Is your practice as productive as it could be? Business health check event, 24 September 2015 - book your place now (02 Sep 2015)
...August Newsletter (13 Aug 2015)
Londonwide LMCs NewsletterMaking health and social care information accessible (12 Aug 2015)
The new Accessible Information Standards for GP Practices has been launched by NHS England and comes into force on 31 July 2016. Practices must ensure that all information...Men ACWY – Sign up guidance and Action Card for GPs from NHS England (12 Aug 2015)
Following enquiries received from practices regarding the Men ACWY programme, NHS England has issued brief guidance about the sign up process for this...GMS global sum calculation and data request for atypical population profiles (12 Aug 2015)
The BMA have produced a document that details how the global sum allocation (Carr-Hill formula) determines funding for GMS practices. This has been published in response to...PHP Reflective Practice Master Classes beginning 12 September 2015 (12 Aug 2015)
Each Master Class helps individuals to identify both the organisational and psychological barriers to change and personal development. Participants will have the choice of attending one of the following...Friends and Family Test: Disappointing news for London practices (12 Aug 2015)
Although it is a contractual requirement for practices to carry out the Friends and Family Test (F&FT) and submit data each month, the May return for London was a disappointing...New pan-London Cervical Sample Taker Database (CTSD) (12 Aug 2015)
NHS England has commissioned a web-based Cervical Sample Taker Database (CSTD) for the quality assurance of sample taking in London. The database enables the allocation of unique sample taker codes...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.