The consultation on the new draft specifications for the Network DES closed on 15 January 2020. The response from general practice, LMCs and representative bodies has been mostly damning with claims that it risks undermining any progress made towards the goals in the NHS Long Term Plan.
Some of the main concerns relate to:
There are number of other concerns that have been voiced and last week it was reported that the BMA's GP Committee were presented with package of changes but voted not to accept. The press release stated that GPC England, NHS England and NHS Improvement will now return to negotiations with Pulse reporting that NHS England are taking the feedback and strength of feeling 'seriously'.
With less than three months left till the proposed implementation date, PCNs will want to avoid a last minute rush to update their working arrangements. Moving into year two, it is expected that more PCNs will involve non-Core Network Practice Members in their PCN. It will be important to ensure that governance and contractual arrangements are updated reflect the intended working position post 1 April.