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Supporting general practice in 2024 and beyond

At PCC we have been listening to general practice and PCNs about what affects them and the areas where support would be welcomed. As a result, from January, will have been sharing ways in which we can provide support that will deliver results. We have built on the national support that there is already out there around access, but we are also focussing on three key areas that underpin sustainability – finance, workforce and premises. We’ll provide updates in upcoming editions of Insight as well as our newsletters and on our website.

Helen Simmonds
Helen Simmonds

In this article we consider the importance of well-constructed project initiation document (PID).

The PID

Once the need for a development has been identified, one of the most important steps is to develop the PID which demonstrates the case for change and the aims, objectives and benefits that a preferred premises solution would deliver. Having a compelling PID document can significantly increase the chances of securing support for your premises development ambitions.

The purpose of the PID is to ensure that your integrated care board and other stakeholders are aware and can commit to support, in principle, the development of the proposed scheme and that the GPs are prepared, as appropriate, to commit to relevant costs associated with the next stage of the scheme development or any abortive costs arising should the scheme not progress.

Completion of the PID should be undertaken as soon as the themes and main details of the proposed scheme are known.

The completed PID will:

  1. Set out the context: size and location of the GP practice, training and CQC status
  2. Confirm the registered population including historic growth, future housing development that might impact on future demand
  3. Describe the existing premises: type of building, number of clinical rooms, existing space constraints – articulating what is wrong with the current arrangements and how does this negatively impact on service delivery to patients
  4. Identify the workforce: current and future, including hosted ARRS roles
  5. Confirm the opening hours and any plans to change
  6. Reference the status of PCN / Place / ICB estate strategies – will this practice’s premises improvement needs be seen as a local priority?
  7. Set out clear objectives, service improvements and benefits the practice are trying to secure (including net zero and digital ambitions)
  8. Identify the preferred premises solution, including:
    a. scope: include high level (1:200 scale) architects layout plans
    b. scale: increase in key functional content i.e. how many additional clinical rooms
    c. costs: capital costs including construction, professional fees, equipment, contingency, VAT
    d. implications for commissioners i.e. what is the likely level of rent reimbursement compared with current.
    e. indicative timescales
    f. likely risks and how these will be mitigated
  9. Set out the procurement strategy and delivery model i.e. is this to be a GP- led ‘self-develop’ scheme or will the practice procure a third party developer to fund and manage the development process to completion. If GP led, will the partners be seeking a capital grant from the NHS (up to 66% of total development costs)?

PCC can help you with the development of your PID to ensure that you present the best possible case for the funding for your premises development project. Our expert team has a proven track record in helping practices develop credible and compelling PIDs.

To find out more information please contact enquiries@pcc-cic.org.uk or see https://www.pcc-cic.org.uk/practice-support/ to find out more.

Last Updated on 30 January 2024