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

This blog, written in partnership with BAXCQC, cuts through the assumptions and sets out what every provider in a shared space needs to understand. The NHS is moving decisively toward a neighbourhood model of care.

At THC Primary Care, we provide resources to support the leadership and management of primary care networks. In this blog, we summarise our recent YouTube Live session with Ben Gowland, Dr Andy Foster, and Dr Hussain Gandhi. This conversation has become something of a yearly tradition, where we come together to discuss the news stories affecting primary care in the run-up to our national conference, PCN Plus Live , taking place on 22nd April. If you want the full discussion,

The Neighbourhood Health Framework, published 17 March 2026, is a different kind of document to the neighbourhood health guidelines that came before it. Where the 2025 guidelines provided a framework for local action, the Framework sets named national targets, a formal delivery architecture, and a structured planning timeline. For PCN leadership teams, the most immediately relevant section is the five national goals, each with specific metrics and timescales running to March

NHS England published Fit for the Future on 17 March 2026. Here is what is new, what it confirms, and what remains open for PCN leaders and Clinical Directors.

The 2026/27 GP contract letter has been released, and we’ve created three infographics from the same letter — each telling a very different story. In this blog, we discuss the importance of framing and why the words you choose when sharing information with your network matter more than you might think.

The GP Contract letter dropped on 24th February, and there's a lot to unpack. We've pulled together a slide deck summarising the key changes so you can use it in your next PCN meeting — whether that's briefing your Clinical Directors, your Board, or your wider membership. Download the deck, adapt it for your network, and take it straight into your next meeting. You may find these other insights useful. About Us THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy speci

On 12th February, the HSJ reported that neighbourhood provider contracts won’t arrive until 2027–28 at the earliest. On 24th February, the official GP contract letter for 2026/27 landed from Dr Amanda Doyle. I think it’s important to look at these documents together and to keep in mind what’s still to come to help us take a measured approach. In this blog, we cover: What's actually changing in the 2026/27 GP contract What the neighbourhood health delay means Why do you need

New neighbourhood provider contracts won't arrive until 2027-28 at the earliest. But NHS England still expects local areas to start building neighbourhood health now. What this means for primary care networks.

At the heart of neighbourhood health is the patient. This blog breaks down the three-tier governance model and explains how PCNs, federations, and GP collaboratives can organise themselves effectively – without drowning in meetings or losing the voice of individual practices.

Confused by NHS neighbourhood health terminology? This guide breaks down the three-tier model, HWBs, JSNAs, SNPs and MNPs for primary care leaders.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Don't let hidden assumptions derail your neighbourhood health project. Use this exercise at your next team meeting to surface risks early. Based on analysis of major NHS failures like NPfIT and terminated integration contracts, this practical tool helps teams identify dangerous blind spots across 8 key areas: relationships, funding, governance, community needs, and more.

PCN leaders face critical decisions: adapt to neighbourhood team structures or build on strengths? Practical guidance on NHS transformation ahead.