The Business of Primary Care Networks Blog
Over 250 blogs to support the leadership and management of primary care networks 

Discover key events for PCN leaders in 2026, including PCN Plus Live, NHS ConfedExpo, Digital Health Rewired, and Best Practice London. Free CPD opportunities.

Why practices are rationally resisting neighbourhood engagement - and what kind of conversation actually creates movement when the vision isn't clear yet.

Practical Q4 guidance for Primary Care Network leaders. Covers CAIP claims, IIF targets, ARRS spend, Enhanced Access compliance, and 26/27 vaccination changes.

NHS England's 2026/27 COVID-19 vaccination specification allows practice-level delivery. What does this mean for primary care networks? Key changes, payments, and deadlines.

There's no best practice ARRS staffing ratio. Here's how to calculate the WTE your PCN actually needs using your own data and demand-based modelling.

Many PCN leaders are asking whether they need new structures in place by April 2026. With implementation details still unclear, it's hard to know what to do. Here's my view: don't panic, but don't stand still either. Pick a service, test collaboration, and let the structure follow.

In Dare to Lead, Brené Brown explores four types of power. This blog looks at how "power over" often disguises itself in primary care and invites you to reflect on how you use yours.

Budget announcements, BMA standoffs, and the Strategic Commissioning Framework. A November 2025 roundup for PCN and practice managers navigating NHS policy.

CQC registration gives PCNs autonomy over the services they provide, rather than relying on member practices to hold individual contracts. This independence allows networks to manage services consistently and meet regulatory requirements efficiently.

Welcome to the PCN Members Club - your friendly time-saving hub for busy PCN teams.

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources for primary care leaders. This blog focuses on the Strategic Commissioning Framework – specifically for PCNs who are currently stalling on the neighbourhood agenda.

The NHS Strategic Commissioning Framework explained for primary care leaders. Understand what's changing, the timeline, and what it means for PCNs and general practice.

Should you spend time reading NHS policy? Our framework will help PCN leaders find where alignment exists in their work - and make conscious choices about engagement.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll have practical insights and actionable strategies to make your Q4 PCN Underspend work harder, strengthen your workforce, and maximise the impact of your underspend

In a recent episode of The Business of Healthcare podcast, I spoke with Dharmesh Patel, Chief Executive of Primary Eye Care Services. We discussed why optometry so often gets left out of neighbourhood planning, the practical barriers they face, and what it would actually take to properly include them in integrated care discussions.

Understand the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework 2026/27-2028/29. Essential guide for PCN leaders on integrated neighbourhood teams, targets & timelines.

From Shared Care Records to the Single Patient Record: what the NHS 10-Year Plan means for primary care leaders, with actionable steps you can take today.

The Challenge: I fear our network moving backwards and can see all of our hard work being undone. 

Despite the fact that 42 neighbourhood pilot sites have been selected, and it appears full steam ahead with seeing how these models develop, for many, there is a sense of uncertainty about what to do next when it comes to developing their neighbourhood model.

If you're a PCN Manager considering your next career move, there are numerous pathways to explore. Here are the key options and strategies for developing your career

Healthcare leaders face a flood of promises from vendors touting AI healthcare solutions to revolutionise care delivery. The real challenge isn’t whether technology can help – it’s how to distinguish genuine opportunities from costly distractions.

At THC Primary Care, we create resources for Primary Care Network leaders to make running their networks a little bit easier. In this blog, we provide our take on what PCN leaders need to focus on in Q3 2025/26.

Discover proven strategies for managing primary care network funding conflicts. Learn how to navigate different money mindsets and build transparent financial processes.

Read this comprehensive guide to GP Contract Access Changes taking effect October 2025. Understand new continuous access requirements for phone lines, online booking, and premises. Balanced coverage of government modernisation goals vs GP safety concerns, implementation timeline from February agreement to October rollout, and potential patient impacts.