PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES)

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A contractual framework that enables Primary Care Networks to deliver enhanced services through additional funding and resources within the NHS.

What is the PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES)?

What is ?

The PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) is a framework introduced by NHS England that specifies additional services Primary Care Networks must provide beyond core GP contracts. It outlines funding arrangements, service specifications, and performance requirements for PCNs to deliver integrated care. The DES forms a critical component of the NHS Long Term Plan, incentivising collaborative working across practices to improve population health outcomes and address workforce challenges while reducing health inequalities.

PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) Best Practices

What is ?

  • Ensure PCN leadership understands all DES specifications and requirements to maximise funding opportunities
  • Develop robust workforce plans to utilise Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding effectively
  • Implement clear governance structures for service delivery and sharing resources across practices
  • Regularly review performance against DES targets and quality indicators
  • Engage actively with local stakeholders including community services and local authorities

Use PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. Our practice has committed to implementing the PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) to improve care coordination for our patients with long-term conditions.
  2. The clinical director explained how the additional funding through the PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) would support hiring a clinical pharmacist and social prescribing link worker.
  3. The new specifications in this year's PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) focus on enhanced health in care homes and structured medication reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about
PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES)

What does PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) mean?

The PCN Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) is a contractual framework that enables Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to deliver enhanced services beyond core general practice. It provides additional funding and resources to groups of GP practices working together, outlining specific service requirements, workforce arrangements through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), and network specifications that PCNs must deliver to improve patient care and population health outcomes.

How does the PCN Network Contract DES benefit patients?

The PCN Network Contract DES benefits patients by enabling more coordinated, proactive and personalised care. It funds additional healthcare professionals like clinical pharmacists, social prescribers, and paramedics who can provide specialised support. The service specifications include targeted interventions for high-need populations such as care home residents, those with complex conditions requiring structured medication reviews, and early cancer diagnosis initiatives. This collaborative approach helps address health inequalities and improves access to comprehensive primary care services.

What are the key service specifications included in the PCN Network Contract DES?

The PCN Network Contract DES includes several key service specifications: Enhanced Health in Care Homes, which provides dedicated support to care home residents; Structured Medication Reviews to optimise medication use for those with complex needs; Early Cancer Diagnosis to improve cancer screening and detection rates; Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Diagnosis to identify high-risk patients; Personalised Care approaches that empower patients; and Community Services integration to create seamless patient pathways. These specifications are phased in over time, with PCNs receiving funding to deliver them according to national standards.

How is funding allocated through the PCN Network Contract DES?

Funding through the PCN Network Contract DES is allocated through multiple streams: a core PCN payment (currently ÂŁ1.50 per registered patient per year) to support network infrastructure; Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding to employ new staff across specified roles (with most roles reimbursed at 100% of actual salary and on-costs); extended hours access funding to provide additional clinical sessions; Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) payments based on achievement against quality indicators; and specific funding for delivering service specifications. This multi-layered approach ensures resources for both infrastructure and service delivery.

Who is responsible for implementing the PCN Network Contract DES within a Primary Care Network?

Implementation of the PCN Network Contract DES is led by the Clinical Director of the Primary Care Network, working with a network board or committee that typically includes representation from all member practices. The Clinical Director provides strategic leadership, while practice managers often coordinate operational aspects. PCNs must have formal agreements on how DES funding is distributed, how shared roles are deployed across practices, and governance arrangements for delivering service specifications. Each member practice must formally sign up to the DES, with one practice nominated as the fund-holder for network payments.

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