Why your neighbourhood discussions aren't progressing in your primary care network

This blog is for network leaders who are frustrated that their neighbourhood discussions are not progressing.

To cut to the heart of the matter, it's because there isn't a compelling enough reason to engage.

This post will help you understand what's going on and what a different approach could look like.

Neighbourhood discussions | What you've tried and why it's not working

The hotly anticipated neighbourhood guidance hasn't been released yet, and there's growing anxiety that networks haven't organised themselves to accept the new contracts coming.

You've tried a few things already, and leading with fear and highlighting that other stakeholders drive the agenda seems to be the most popular tactic networks are adopting (for good reason), but it's not working, because you're asking people to commit to something that doesn't have a clear shape yet.

What's actually in the room and what's possible

Practices aren't being difficult (in their mind). They're being rational. And they feel they can't sign up to a vision that doesn't exist.

So you have to get to the heart of it.

• The facts.

• The beliefs.

• The money.

• The history.

• The politics.

• The actual ask.

• The capacity to deliver.

  
  

Without this, history gets confused with what's happening currently, and old wounds show up dressed as reasonable objections.

So someone has to hold the room steady enough to stop all of those things getting conflated into one impossible conversation.

It's challenging, but you can leave that room with a shared problem, a clear opportunity, and a plan ahead. And the next steps are REALLY important, otherwise, you risk convening another meeting that doesn't change anything. And that does more harm than good - because it starts to discredit you as the leader calling these conversations.

Questions to consider

What conversation needs to happen, and what questions need to be answered in your context?

I also invite you to honestly answer:

1. What are your beliefs and stories you are telling yourself?

2. Do you truly understand the organisational context of your peers?

3. What would progress look like for you?

4. What can you do now with the resources you already have?

5. What is your concrete ask of the network?

To Summarise ⬇️

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If you're navigating these conversations and would find it helpful to have someone facilitate the discussion, I'd love to hear from you. Sometimes having an outside perspective in the room makes all the difference.

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About Us

THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the creator of the Business of Healthcare Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, we've supported more than 300 PCNs through interim management, training, and consultancy.

Our expertise spans project management and business development across both private and public sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we've authored over 250 blog posts sharing insights on primary care networks.