Access to national workforce supply routes for PCN groupings :
An overview of NHSEI guidance on how PCN groupings can access national workforce supply routes for the vaccination programme.
On 14 January, NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSEI) issued guidance on how PCN groupings can access national workforce supply routes for the vaccination programme. This briefing from the PCN Network provides an overview of the key points.
Key points
- Voluntary staff are provided at no charge to the grouping.
- Practices will have to fund the cost of paid administrative and clinical staff from national providers – Agenda for Change pay scales. The lead provider will invoice the PCN grouping in line with the MOU (link in the guidance).
- PCN groupings are able to access the national pool on a similar basis to other providers.
- It’s not mandatory; groupings are free to make their own arrangements.
- MOU (link in the guidance) must be in place between PCN groupings and the lead provider.
- Covered by CNSGP as primary medical services.
- Request via designated lead provider in each ICS, stating the nature of roles requested, time period, vaccination site and site contact.
- Three volunteers can be assigned per site, the lead provider ensures the training requirements are fulfilled and arranges the shift.
- Any issues should be escalated to the lead provider.
- The guidance contains full onboarding and engagement requirements for PCN groupings and lead providers.
Paid roles
- COVID-19 vaccination programme vaccinator (pay band 3).
- Registered OH nurse onsite/face-to-face.
- OHA (qualified OH nurse; part 3 of register) Onsite/face-to-face.
- GP returners, practice nurses etc via Bring Back Staff.
Voluntary roles
- Vaccinator volunteers
- Care volunteers
- Patient advocates
- Stewards
