As primary care grapples with mounting challenges, this report sheds light on crucial recommendations aimed at fortifying the sector, including fairer funding, heightened workplace appeal, and streamlined collaboration within the realm of primary care
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on NHS Confed
This briefing encapsulates insights derived from the Primary Care Network’s interactions with its members, spotlighting the landscape of general practice and primary care across the UK.
Key recommendations
Boost trust and flexibility: Enrich contracts to empower primary care in tailoring services to local needs, focusing on prevention and addressing health inequalities.
Fortify basic infrastructure: Dedicate funding and implement uplifts in line with the broader healthcare system to support primary care.
Enhance workplace appeal: Introduce measures to make primary care a more attractive and sustainable career choice.
Facilitate collaboration: Leverage contractual and non-contractual tools to ease collaboration between primary care and the wider healthcare system.
Building a robust primary care system
Sustaining primary care’s future hinges on alleviating workload, addressing workforce challenges, fortifying infrastructure, and adapting to evolving patient needs and technological advancements. While at-scale infrastructures offer resilience, the surge in workload, inadequate capacity, and funding constraints are jeopardizing practices, Primary Care Networks (PCNs), and federations nationwide. Addressing these challenges is imperative to shift from primary care merely surviving to thriving within integrated care systems.
Challenges in current investment and funding models
Current investment levels fall short of meeting the evolving health needs, with funding formulas failing to account adequately for deprivation, resulting in inequitable funding across general practice. Incremental resource allocation disrupts primary care planning and delivery, complicating investment decisions. There is an urgent need for fairer funding based on need to harness the potential of general practice in addressing health inequalities.
Infrastructure and digital maturity
Growing demand and workforce challenges, compounded by inadequate physical space for consultations, pose significant threats. The state of primary care estates further exacerbates the issue, necessitating a comprehensive review in collaboration with health and care partners. Achieving a sustainable primary care system demands robust data and digital capabilities to deliver effective care, tailor services, and guide future service redesign.
Leadership and integrated care systems
Primary care is increasingly taking a leadership role in integrated care systems, but this transition requires matched resources and trust. Developing robust leadership capabilities in primary care is vital, ensuring its integral role in building relationships and elevating its status within the system.
PCN DES and future commitments
The Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service (PCN DES) should ensure stability and long-term commitment to the existing PCN model. Acknowledging the growing leadership role of PCNs and providing early communication on possible commissioning devolution from 2024/25 is crucial.
This report sheds light on member feedback and priorities, emphasising the continued pressure on general practice. As responsibilities shift to integrated care systems, maintaining a national minimum standard for general practice while allowing local flexibility is paramount. A modern approach to general practice is needed, preserving successful elements while addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities. Local solutions within a national framework will pave the way for a resilient and responsive primary care system.
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