PCN DES

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PCN DES refers to the Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service, a contract specification for PCNs in the NHS England to deliver enhanced services.

What does PCN DES mean?

What is ?

The PCN DES (Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service) is a contractual framework introduced by NHS England that enables GP practices to work together in networks to deliver enhanced services to their local populations. Established as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, the PCN DES outlines specific services, funding arrangements, and requirements that networks must fulfil. It provides the financial and structural foundation for collaborative primary care delivery, supporting integrated care systems while addressing workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes across communities.

PCN DES Best Practices

What is ?

  • Ensure strong clinical leadership and engagement across all member practices when implementing PCN DES specifications
  • Develop clear governance structures with defined roles and responsibilities for delivering DES requirements
  • Establish effective workforce planning to utilise Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) funding effectively
  • Implement regular monitoring systems to track performance against PCN DES targets
  • Foster collaborative relationships with community services, local authorities and other healthcare providers to deliver integrated care

Use PCN DES in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. Our practice has signed up to the PCN DES, which requires us to deliver structured medication reviews for eligible patients.
  2. The latest PCN DES specification includes enhanced health in care homes as a mandatory service.
  3. Funding through the PCN DES has allowed us to employ a clinical pharmacist and social prescribing link worker.
Frequently Asked Questions about
PCN DES

What does PCN DES mean?

PCN DES stands for Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service. It is a contract specification that outlines the requirements, services and funding for Primary Care Networks in England. This framework enables groups of GP practices to work together to deliver enhanced services to their local population while receiving additional NHS funding.

What services are included in the PCN DES?

The PCN DES includes several service specifications that PCNs must deliver, including structured medication reviews, enhanced health in care homes, early cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular disease prevention and diagnosis, and personalised care. These specifications are phased in over time, with networks receiving dedicated funding to support implementation and delivery of these enhanced services.

How is the PCN DES funded?

The PCN DES is funded through multiple streams including a core PCN payment (currently £1.50 per patient), the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) which funds specific healthcare roles, the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) which rewards achievement against specific indicators, and service-specific funding for delivering the required service specifications. This funding is designed to support collaborative working and expanded primary care teams.

Who can participate in the PCN DES?

All GP practices in England can participate in the PCN DES by becoming members of a Primary Care Network. Each PCN typically covers a patient population of 30,000-50,000 patients. Practices must sign up to the network contract DES and be part of a PCN with a signed network agreement. Participation is voluntary but encouraged as it provides access to additional funding and resources to support patient care.

How does the PCN DES relate to the wider NHS structure?

The PCN DES is a key component of the NHS Long Term Plan and forms part of the broader Integrated Care System (ICS) approach. PCNs serve as the foundation of integrated care, bringing together primary care with community services, social care, and secondary care. The DES provides the contractual framework that enables PCNs to contribute to population health management and address health inequalities within their local areas, aligning with ICS priorities.

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