The final version of the GP Contract which sets out requirements and funding for the new Primary Care Networks was published in February. Some significant changes were made in response to consultation, including one relevant to the delivery of “additional roles” which, amongst other things, will help fund the roll out of First Contact Practitioners. The two main changes are an expansion of the roles and an increase in the funding from 70% to 100% of salary. Many of the new roles are also important for MSK health.
Initially the additional roles covered by the reimbursement scheme were clinical pharmacists, social prescribing link workers, physician associates, physiotherapists and community paramedics. To this list has now been added pharmacy technicians, health and wellbeing coaches, care co-ordinators, occupational therapists, dietitians, podiatrists and community paramedics. Mental health practitioner roles – including Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) practitioners – will also be included in the Scheme from April 2021. It is up to each PCN to decide the distribution of roles required.
Funding for the scheme has been increased, both to increase the number of additional staff by 6,000 and to increase the reimbursement from 70% of salary costs to 100%.