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Creating and running primary care networks (PCNs)

Links to BMA guidance are available via the following links.

Primary Care Networks

Following the announcement of the GP contract for England, Krishna Kasaraneni, GPC England Executive member, has written a blog about what practices should be considering with regards to the structures for Primary Care Networks. This follows on from his previous blog about Primary care networks (PCNs). Further guidance and information relating to GP contract will be published in the coming weeks.
Focus on the Primary Care Networks DES January 2019

NHS England and Improvement has published a template data sharing agreement and template data processing agreement

Primary Care Network Documents

Network Agreement Schedules

These have been provided in Word format so that they can be easily amended by practices.

Please note that GPDF may issue updates and revisions to the Schedules from time to time, either in response to initial feedback or to reflect network issues experienced in practice.

Important disclaimer “These Schedules have been produced by Penningtons Manches LLP for GPDF Ltd as a guide only to assist with completion of the Schedules to the Mandatory Network Agreement, and do not constitute legal advice. Penningtons Manches LLP does not accept any responsibility or liability howsoever arising from the implementation or use of these Schedules.

PCN Network Agreement Update
The mandatory PCN Network Agreement has been updated to correct some minor reference errors in the originally published version. The amendments are: • Reference to “persons” in Clause 58 has been updated to “person”

The mandatory PCN Network Agreement has been updated to correct some minor reference errors in the originally published version. The amendments are:

• Reference to “persons” in Clause 58 has been updated to “person”

• Reference to “persons” in Clause 58 has been updated to “person”

• Reference to “Clause 6464” in Clause 61 has been updated to “Clause 64”

• Reference to “Clause 722(b)” in Clause 72 has been updated to “Clause 72(b)”

• Reference to “Clause 722” in Clause 73 has been updated to “Clause 72”

Primary care networks and workforce expansion

GPC England executive team member Krishna Kasaraneni’s fourth blog on PCNs focuses on how the new workforce expansion will support GPs and practices. Krishna sets out GPC perspectives and addresses some of the issues raised during the GP contract roadshows. Read the blog.

Read more of Krishna’s blogs on PCNs: 

Primary care network handbook

The BMA’s PCN handbook which marks the start of a series of resources they will provide over the coming weeks to support practices in establishing primary care networks. The handbook provides detailed guidance for those starting discussions about forming a network, with considerations, options risks and opportunities, and should be used to inform decisions around governance, structures, employment models, funding flows etc.  Over the coming weeks, the GPC will provide practices and PCNs with practical tools and advice to tailor the content of the handbook to your specific needs. Read Krishna Kasaraneni’s blog here.

Primary care network (PCN) LMC Supporting documentation

 Support for Primary Care Networks 

Two VAT advice notes (provided by MHA Larking Gowen) for the two main PCN structures we see being implemented – lead practice, and federation-led, and a really useful PCN calendar to help you plan the next couple of months. These are accessible below and via the BMA PCN webpage, with the VAT guidance available under the toolkit tab

Next steps in establishing PCNs

Read about the next steps in establishing PCNs, in a blog by Krishna Kasaraneni, GPC England Executive team member.

How Sessional GPs and networks should interact with each other

The BMA has published specific guidance about how Sessional GPs and networks should interact with each other and a blog by Vicky Weeks, former chair of the Sessional GPs subcommittee on how PCNs can provide opportunities for sessional GPs.

Will PCNs fulfil the needs of general practice?

Simon Poole, GPC commissioning lead, has written a blog about the challenges that need to be overcome in commissioning for Primary Care Networks.

GPDF Clinical Director Contracts

In response to demand from a number of LMCs, GPDF have continued to work with the legal team at Pennington Manches to prepare guidance, advice and information for LMCs in relation to Primary Care Networks, and specifically Clinical Directors.

A new suite of material is now available to download from the Library section of the GPDF website

This material includes:

  • Clinical Director contracts – guidance note
  • Guidance note for practices employing staff for the Primary Care Network.

And a series of template contracts dealing with six possible models:

  1. self-employed consultant engaged by a lead practice (which is identical to one engaged under the Hybrid model);
  2. self-employed consultant engaged by a federation to which the activities of the Primary Care Network (PCN) have been delegated;
  3. self-employed consultant engaged by all practices of a PCN (the flat model);
  4. employed clinical director employed by a lead practice, (which is identical to one employed under the hybrid model);
  5. employed clinical director employed by a federation;
  6. employed clinical director employed by all practices of a PCN.

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