Colleagues working across primary care networks have come together to discuss the collaboration that has been happening to implement the delivery of care and support access to general practice services via digital channels, alongside traditional routes. We hear how local relationships have been used to build virtual hubs where remote consultations can be managed centrally across a group of practices or PCNs. Other benefits include the sharing of workforce, resources and workload, alongside ensuring a greater resilience when demand is high or providing much needed support following loss of capacity. Listen to the podcast here.
Network DES 2020/21 service requirements and supporting guidance
On 17 September NHSE/I published an updated Network Contract DES Specification, Network Contract DES Guidance and Investment and Impact Fund implementation guidance. The changes were summarised in the covering letter. These changes supplement existing guidance on Enhanced Health in Care Homes and Early Cancer Diagnosis service to support primary care networks with delivery of the DES service requirements.
These three delayed Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service (DES) service requirements apply from 1 October. Guidance is available on our website:
- Structured Medication Reviews (SMRs) and Medicines Optimisation
- Early Cancer Diagnosis
- Enhanced Health in Care Homes
FAQs are available but should you have any additional questions, please contact our GP Contracts team via email england.gpcontracts@nhs.net.