top of page

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


What has changed in the PCN DES 2026/27?
The 2026/27 PCN DES specification was published on 26 March 2026. This blog covers what has changed in payment rates, ARRS funding, and operational requirements.
Mar 274 min read


Navigating the Neighbourhood Health Agenda: A Reading Guide for PCN Leaders
Eight pieces to help PCN Clinical Directors, PCN managers and practice managers understand neighbourhood health policy, contract architecture and governance readiness. Start here.
Mar 243 min read


The Neighbourhood Health Framework: Five Goals PCN Leaders Need to Understand
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
Mar 185 min read


Are You Ready for SNP and MNP Contracts? A Governance Readiness Self-Assessment for PCN Leaders
SNP and MNP Contracts: Governance Readiness Self-Assessment for PCNs
Mar 185 min read


Fit for the Future Is Published — What’s New, What’s Confirmed, and What’s Still Coming: The Guide for PCN Leaders
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.
Mar 185 min read


The Latest NHS Policies and Guidance Affecting Primary Care Networks - The March 2026 Update
At THC Primary Care, we create resources for primary care leaders.
This update captures the latest developments affecting primary care networks (PCNs) as of 9th March 2026.
Mar 178 min read


Is the 26/27 GP Contract the Beginning of the End for PCNs?
Ben Gowland on whether the 2026/27 GP contract signals the end of PCNs — and what neighbourhood leadership means for primary care networks now.
Mar 175 min read


What is the Role of the Primary Care Network CQC Registered Manager and Who Should Hold This Position?
Not sure who should be your CQC Registered Manager? This guide helps PCNs ask the right questions, understand the role, and appoint the right person with confidence.
Mar 96 min read


What Does Good PCN Leadership Actually Look Like?
Whether you're leading a primary care network that's functioning but feels harder than it should, or you're struggling and need a reset, understanding what "good" actually looks like helps you know where you stand and what needs to change.
Mar 26 min read


The 26/27 GP Contact Letter and the Importance of Framing
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.
Feb 262 min read


GP Contract 2026/27 — Your Summary Slide Deck Is Ready
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
Feb 251 min read


The GP Contract 2026/27 and the Neighbourhood Health Delay: Piecing Together What We Know
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
Feb 244 min read


No Neighbourhood Contracts — But Start Building Your Neighbourhood Case Now
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.
Feb 134 min read


How to Stop the Merry-Go-Round of Indecision
We've all been there. You leave a meeting thinking something's been agreed, only for someone to ask at the next one: "But did we actually agree?
Feb 104 min read


Do PCNs Need to Rethink Leadership Roles and Titles?
And why most networks are making the decision for the wrong reasons. 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.
Feb 104 min read


The Getting Started Guide for New PCN Leaders
If you are new to your PCN leadership and management role, there is a lot to learn. Within the Primary Care Network Members Club, our blog and the business of healthcare podcast, there are A LOT of resources.
To help you get started, we have compiled the most important resources and a reading list so you can hit the ground running.
Feb 64 min read


Neighbourhood Governance and the Three - Tier Model: What PCN Leaders Need to Know
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.
Feb 25 min read


ARRS and Independent Providers: Essential Pillars for Sustainable Neighbourhood Primary Care
As debate intensifies over the future of primary care in England, it's easy to cast the shift towards neighbourhood models as a zero-sum contest between PCNs, practices and new contractual forms. It shouldn't be.
Jan 284 min read


Enhanced Access: Is Your Model Working For You?
As we approach the end of the financial year, now is the ideal time to review how effectively your services are working.
Jan 264 min read


Back to Basics: Untangling Neighbourhood Health – Terms, Tiers & Governance
Confused by NHS neighbourhood health terminology? This guide breaks down the three-tier model, HWBs, JSNAs, SNPs and MNPs for primary care leaders.
Jan 204 min read


PCN Events | January – June 2026
Discover key events for PCN leaders in 2026, including PCN Plus Live, NHS ConfedExpo, Digital Health Rewired, and Best Practice London. Free CPD opportunities.
Jan 195 min read


What to focus on in Q4 2025/26 | The guide for primary care network leaders
Practical Q4 guidance for Primary Care Network leaders. Covers CAIP claims, IIF targets, ARRS spend, Enhanced Access compliance, and 26/27 vaccination changes.
Jan 161 min read


Why your neighbourhood discussions aren't progressing in your primary care network
Why practices are rationally resisting neighbourhood engagement - and what kind of conversation actually creates movement when the vision isn't clear yet.
Jan 122 min read


The 2026/27 COVID-19 Vaccination Service | What Could Change for Primary Care Networks
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.
Jan 56 min read
bottom of page
