On the 28th March 2024, the Network Contract DES: Contract specification 2024/25 – PCN requirements and entitlements was released. These documents can be found here. This blog is for you if collaborative working is challenging in your network, and I explain how the new 24/25 PCN requirements could provide a helpful framework to assist your PCN in moving forward. I also share the importance of creating your financial plan early now we have clarity on the national income due to networks. Let's jump in! The 24/25 DES specifies that a PCN must deliver the following four key functions. Two ..read more

To support you in having the latest Primary Care Network documents and links close to hand, we have compiled these into one central resource and linked these to some of our summaries. In this resource, you will find the latest guidance regarding: The PCN DES Impact and investment fund GP Contract PCN Ready Reckoner Delivery Plan for recovering access The service development funding and general practice IT funding guidance 23/24 The NHS Workforce Plan Let's jump in! 1. GP Contract 24/25 The proposed changes for the GP contract 24/25 can be found ,,here. The upcoming revised contract is design ..read more

If you're reading this, you're likely part of the cohort of Primary Care Networks (PCN) managers who have been involved in PCNs since the very start, or you have a good few years of experience and are wondering what’s next.   The PCN Manager role is not recognised within the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS). There is no national competency framework, and salary expectations are really varied, so there isn't a clear path ahead, which means, in a positive way, we can forge our own path. Before I continue, please know that I do not want to encourage people to leave their PCNs. It ..read more

At THC Primary Care, we do not usually share our Business of Healthcare podcast episodes in the blog, but episode 292 is most definitely for you. In this episode, I share 10 key questions I ask and answer every month to help keep my team and the primary care leaders we work with on track. I also remind you of our management audit you can download for free. The monthly leadership questions are ⬇️. 1️⃣ When was the last time I reinforced the vision of the network/business? 2️⃣ Are there enough connection points/ drumbeats internally with the team and externally with key stakeholders? 3️⃣ Are rol ..read more

At ,,,THC, we provide resources for Primary Care leaders, and the focus of this week's blog is to highlight what good looks like when it comes to the relationship between Primary Care colleagues based within the integrated care board (ICB) and Primary Care Network (PCN) colleagues. In this blog, along with a framework to review your initiatives and to understand the lessons learnt, you will find: ✅ 3 examples of good practice from 3 ICBs ✅ 4 top tips to enhance your working relationship ✅ A call to action to help you inform your next steps DISCLAIMER I'm sure many of you will read this and thi ..read more

At THC, we provide resources for Primary Care leaders, and the focus of this week's blog is on sharing training, facilitation questions and frameworks to support Digital and Transformation leads. However, PCN Managers, Digital Care Coordinators, Network Administrators, and anyone involved in a project or service improvement would also benefit from reading this. In this blog, you will find a framework to help you approach the data, digital and transformation elements of your role and : 5️⃣ course recommendations 8️⃣ questions to inform your end-of-project review 9️⃣ questions to help you and yo ..read more

At THC, we provide resources to support primary care leaders, and in this week's blog, we are discussing the pharmacy first scheme due to start on 31st January 2024. In this blog, we provide an overview of the scheme and have sourced some views on the challenges and opportunities from a Primary Care Network perspective. Let's jump in. Launching on 31st January ,,The NHS Pharmacy First Service incorporates the previous ,,Community Pharmacist Consultation Service and builds on it to enable community pharmacies to complete episodes of care for seven common conditions. 1.     ..read more

At THC, we provide resources for primary care leaders, and in this week's blog, the THC team got together to discuss ✅ How can we improve remote working? ✅ How to remain visible when working remotely ✅ Managing remote working as a leader and manager From the perspective of the employer, employee and staffing provider. Whilst many networks have created systems, processes and a culture, where both in-practice teams and those who work remotely feel connected, respected and valued, others have not, resulting in a huge detrimental impact that covers:   Low productivity Employment law issues Lo ..read more

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for Primary Care leaders, and we try to give you as much ,,,FREE content as we can, alongside our day job of managing Primary Care Networks. In this blog, we provide our winter guide to events covering: Pulse PCN events Best Practice London NHS Confederation Primary Care Conference The HealthTechX Summit 2024 PCN Plus LIVE 2024 The Digital Healthcare Show All the best and most relevant webinars in January 2024 It might seem impossible (especially while we are deep in the winter pressure period) to even consider taking time out to attend an event ..read more

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for primary care leaders, and we try to give you as much ,,FREE content as we can alongside our day job of managing Primary Care Networks. Four times a year, we provide a summary of the PCN DES - and a suggested action plan of where to focus your attention each quarter. In this blog, you will find: 1️⃣ A video overview of what to focus on in Q4 2️⃣ An overview of the PCN Finances for 23/24 3️⃣ A reminder of the PCN national service requirements 4️⃣ A checklist to guide your network through your Q4 5️⃣ A link to a video which walks you through how ..read more