Premises

The continued pressures on general practice such as increased workload, an ageing population, recovering from pandemic and the need to extend access to primary medical services has put significant strain on existing infrastructure including premises. With the introduction of primary care networks (PCNs) and the additional roles reimbursement scheme (ARRS) which incentivised a rapid expansion of the primary care workforce, put additional pressure on the availability of ‘fit for purpose premises’, from which to deliver modern primary care services.

With funding for new and existing premises and/or availability of land for new purpose-built practice premises in short supply, means practices and PCNs will need to look at their exiting premises to identify new and innovative ways of working and delivering services to maximise the use of their premises and future proofing them.

PCC can support practices and PCNs with a wide range of support such as:

  • Premises optimisation
  • Net zero implementation
  • Project initiation document (PID) and business case development
  • Retirement planning with a lease
  • Retirement planning with GP-owned building.

Latest news

PCC supporting general practice – GP premises and retirement (12 March 2024)
This week, we are highlighting the support available to GP contractors who are anticipating a change in their partnership or company structure due to a partner retiring and who require guidance on the implications this may have for their practice premises. Whether the premises are owned or leased the situation is complex, but there are options available to safeguard premises once partners have left the partnership / company.

Our hands-on support includes:

  • An assessment of the current premises
  • Ownership arrangements,
  • Financial and contractual planning
  • Care Quality Commission considerations

The support is delivered by a mixture of site visits and discussion with the relevant parties. To find out more contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk.

PCC supporting general practice – premises (13 February 2024)
Following last month’s look into how we can support practices with applying for funding for premises improvement applications, this month we turn our attention to realising more immediate benefits. We hear regularly about the impact of space constraints, which can include the constant juggling of rotas, affects recruitment and the ability to deliver training. By undertaking a space optimisation review, PCC can help you to make sure that space is being used most effectively. Our experienced team work with practices to review current usage and to consider opportunities such as, reorganisation of room schedules, flexible use of rooms, hot desking and more agile working, including hybrid working from home or another base, use of void space, collaborative working across primary care networks and adaptation of space to provide digital-only consultation space. Contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk to find out more.

PCC supporting general practice – premises development (16 January 2024)
Following on from last week’s newsletter highlighting examples of support we can provide around finance, this week we wanted to focus on premises. As the demand for primary care services and the expanding workforce needed to deliver it continues to grow, we are regularly hearing from practices about the need for appropriate premises. A stumbling block for some is applying for funding that is available to support cases where a need has been identified. Once the need for a development has been identified, one of the most important steps is to develop a strong project initiation document (PID) which supports a bid for funding and significantly increase the chances of securing commissioner support.

PCC can help you with the development of PIDs to ensure that you present the best possible case for the funding of your premises development project. Our expert team has a proven track record in helping to develop credible and compelling PIDs; in the last three years, every PID the team have supported has been approved by the commissioner. For more information on how we can develop PIDs for you contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk.

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