PCN funding clarity urged

PCNs have been established under the NHS long-term plan and put general practice at the heart of services. They allow more care traditionally carried out in hospitals to be offered in the community, and bring pharmacists and social prescribers directly into patient care.

The confederation surveyed PCN leaders (clinical directors), mostly GPs. As well as 48% of respondents being confused over PCN funding, there were significant concerns over whether draft service specifications – setting requirements of PCNs over the next four years – were adequately funded.

Ruth Rankine, the confederation’s development director for primary care networks, said: ‘Despite the huge potential, there is overwhelming concern that [PCNs] are far from prepared or resourced to deliver what is being expected of them. In particular, clinical directors told us that they need more time, more support from their local systems, and greater clarity around funding for what is being asked of them.’

However, she added: ‘We welcome the positive signs from NHS England and NHS Improvement that they are listening to us, and to clinical directors across the country, and urge them to continue this engagement as a priority.’