BMA surveys GPs on future of PCNs

The BMA has asked GPs to share their preference on the future of PCNs following the end of the initially agreed PCN DES.

In a new survey, the General Practice Committee’s (GPC) has asked participants to select their preferred outcome for PCNs, including keeping the PCN DES for another year or retiring the DES and moving funding elsewhere.

The five-year period of PCN investment comes to an end in March 2024.

The question forms one aspect of the GPC’s survey intended to help guide its vision for general practice and influence the delivery of patient care, ahead of this year’s anticipated general election.

The GPC has also asked GPs how supportive they would be of practice staff salaries, including on-costs, being directly reimbursed form a ring-fenced pot similarly to how ARRS staff are currently handled.

In its email launching the survey, the BMA said: ‘Next year marks both the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the 2004 GMS contract, and the end of the current 2019-24 five-year investment framework. A general election is also likely at some point in the year, and potentially, a new Government. With change comes opportunity, and a window to influence how we deliver patient care now and for the years ahead.’

The email goes on to say: ‘We know that manifestos from the main political parties, think tanks, charities, and other health bodies will be full of advice around general practice, seeking to influence outcomes. But before any of them get an opportunity, GPC England needs to publish its own vision outlining the future direction for our profession determined by those who know it best: you and GPs themselves.’

The survey also asks GPs if they believe continuity of care be included in any new contract and what they would value most in a future contract.

The BMA has invited fully qualified GPs and registrars, including non-BMA members, to complete the survey, which runs through January.