NHS Operational Planning and Contracting Guidance 2020/21: a briefing for PCN clinical directors
The PCN Network summarises what the NHS planning guidance 2020/21 says about primary care.
The PCN Network summarises what the NHS planning guidance 2020/21 says about primary care.
What is it?
The NHS Operational Planning and Contracting Guidance 2020/21 provides guidance for the NHS on planning for 2020/21 (including operational and workforce plans).
Key points
- 2020/21 will be a critical year in the development of system working – increasing focus on systems as the default.
- The guidance highlights the role of systems in improving financial and operational performance.
- It details new responsibility for providers to work towards supporting system performance overall.
- It renews efforts to recruit and retain workforce across primary and secondary care.
- The guidance recognises the need to improve services, including mental health and cancer.
- It offers support for systems and commissioners with historic deficits.
What does it say about primary care?
Additional funding will enable primary care networks (PCNs) to continue expansion in workforce in line with the following priorities:
- supporting workforce redesign and team development
- improving patient access and practice waiting times
- building operational relationships with community providers
STPs/ICSs/CCGs must:
- work with PCNs to maximise recruitment under the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS)
- CCGs must provide monthly data to each PCN showing the number and cost of A&E attendances by PCN
- ensure delivery of an online consultation system to general practices where they are not in place
- work with PCNs to deliver national service requirements (subject to contract negotiations)
- work with PCNs to support and implement personal health budgets and social prescribing
- CCGs will be given £135m to strengthen the provision of community mental health services for adults and older people (the Mental Health Community Framework published in September 2019 provides further details on this, including plans for alignment with PCNs).
The new GP contract must:
- set out how the ARRS will be fully used
- be designed to retain as many GP trainees as possible at STP/ICS level after completion of specialist training
- include an action plan to improve retention with a specific focus on high-need workforce areas (including targeted action for both practice nurses and GPs)
STPs/ICSs/CCGs should:
- continue planning to spend the GP allocations in full to increase numbers of GPs
- increase overall spending from CCG allocations on the total amount available for primary medical care, community services and continuing healthcare services, so that by 2023/24 they deliver STP targets (this includes provision of £1.50 per registered patient to PCNs).
The NHS Confederation has established the PCN Network to support primary care networks across England. Find out more about the network and how you can get involved.
