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Opportunity knocks for GP provider organisations
The new Health and Care Bill published in the summer sets out how the government plans to reform health services and achieve better integration between health and care in England. Ross Clark and Alison Oliver explore some of its key elements and its implications for general practice.
Do you want to change or leave your PCN? Have you reviewed the 2021-2022 Network Specification?
If you are thinking of changing PCNs, leaving your PCN or opting out of the Network Contract DES, you must inform your CCG by 30th April at the latest.
Help to ease the pain of partnership disputes
Partnership disputes are time-consuming, costly, stressful and de-stabilising for a practice and the individuals involved. But unfortunately, they are also more prevalent when partners are under pressure, as during the Covid-19 pandemic. Alison Oliver and Ross Clark explore common causes of partnership disputes, how to prevent them happening and what to do if one arises in your practice
Primary Care – the impact of the White Paper
The main thrust of the paper is to put ICS (integrated Care Systems) onto a statutory footing, and provide the statutory foundation for the reforms which are a progression of the Five Year Forward View (which was published 7 years ago now) and the NHS Long Term Plan published in 2019.
Contract changes for 2021/22 announced
NHS England issued a letter on 21 January 2021 summarising changes to the GMS contract for 2021/2022. Ongoing uncertainty arising from the pandemic means that there will need to be further changes to the contract in the course of the year.
Are you licensed for your COVID Vacs sites?
Finding appropriate venues to give the COVID-19 vaccinations has resulted in some creative thinking as to places where this can be done.
Checked your Covid-19 Collaboration Agreement?
With the roll out of the Covid-19 vaccination programme by general practice starting next week, practices need to agree the terms on which they will collaborate to deliver the programme in accordance with the vaccination enhanced service specification
Incorporation of GP practices – what the NHS may require
GP practices wanting to incorporate will be considered in line with new guidance issued by the NHS. GP enquiries about incorporating their practices or forming PCN companies have risen in part driven by the added liability created by PCNs and other "at scale" providers.
Supply and demand in the time of Covid
With a busy flu vaccination season, surgeries have had to juggle supplies with unprecedented demand - In ordinary circumstances surgeries, without a wholesale dealers license, are not permitted to share vaccines amongst themselves. Though in the past the MHRA has issued an exemption allowing this
PCN companies – subcontracting restrictions relaxed
We are increasingly being asked by PCNs to advise on whether they can form companies to carry out network activities.
PCN Incorporation – should you?
Have you thought of incorporation? Creating a company with limited liability and a strong legal governance structure to follow can help to mitigate some of the risks for PCN member practices.
Network Contract DES – Amendment
NHSE has now published an amendment to the network contract DES for 2020/21. PCNs will be able to opt out of the Network Contract DES by giving notice to its CCG by 17th October if they do not wish to accept these revised terms.
Revised Network Contract DES – key dates for CCGs
The network contract DES for 2020/21 contains various key dates of which practices, PCNs and commissioners need to be aware: PCNs – September to implement Workforce plans
Clinical Director – How well do you understand your role?
If you are a Clinical Director, have you considered getting some training? Hempsons has developed a Clinical Directors Masterclass.