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A strategic approach to primary care

Integrated care boards (ICBs) should have their primary care strategies in place – covering all four contractor areas. They need developing with the contractor groups and consider collaborative working and interfaces within and beyond primary care. Although the strategy needs to be inclusive of all areas, those that are involved in shaping the strategy may vary for different clinical pathways. One current focus and area to address is access to primary medical care.

Working with and identifying ways to support primary care networks (PCNs) to help practices meet demand and remain resilient is an essential building block. Across an ICB there may be different approaches by different PCNs – which should consider the capacity of the practices and the health needs of the population. ICBs need to work with the PCNs to understand each other’s vision and plans.

Some of the areas that may present opportunities include:

  • Pharmacy First understanding of the skills and capacity of pharmacies is a must for practices in a PCN as is skilling practices’ care navigation teams to signpost to community pharmacy accordingly
  • Streaming urgent/on the day care into a shared resource
  • Sharing back office support
  • Use of the additional roles reimbursement scheme staff (and ensuring appropriate signposting by the care navigation team)
  • And many more

Other areas need consideration that may impact access such as:

  • Possible practice closures or mergers
  • Pharmacy closures
  • Workforce and premises constraints

What is essential is for open, honest conversations between primary care commissioners and PCN or primary care provider representatives to agree a shared vision and to agree how to work towards it in line with the primary care strategy. The strategy should then guide investment decisions, premises considerations and how ICBs may manage any practice closures.

PCC can help, including facilitation of meetings to develop a shared strategic vision, support to draft strategies, technical support around how to realise the vision within the constraints of the primary care contracts, and training of reception or care navigation teams. Contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk if you would like to discuss how we can help or visit www.pcc-cic.org.uk.

Last Updated on 13 February 2024