Use transformation funds to support development of PCNs, says NHS England

Primary care transformation funding should be used for the development of PCNs and integrated neighbourhood teams, as well as the implementation of the modern general practice approach, according to NHS England.

In a guidance document on primary care services development funding, NHS England detailed the system development funding (SDF) for primary care for 2024/25, which includes £126.9m in primary care transformation funds.

It said this figure had previously been separated into the local GP retention fund, training hubs, recruitment and retention funding, and digital first primary care. But that it has now been combined into one allocation.

In 2024/25, NHS England first said ICBs should use the transformation funding to support the implementation of the modern general practice model. But added that it should also be used for better integration across primary care, the development of PCNs, integrated services and neighbourhood teams which are centred around local population health needs.

It said: ‘The focus should be developing a strategic approach to supporting primary care that delivers the most impact for patients and staff for the available resources. ICBs should continue to evaluate the impact of local offers, including equalities impacts.’

The transformation funding had also previously included £43m for PCN leadership and development, but this had been added into ICB baselines for 2024/25. NHS England said though this does not form part of primary care SDF this year, ‘it should still be used to support PCNs’.

The guidance added that ICBs should work with PCNs ‘where possible’ to understand their needs using the support level framework, a tool to help understand where PCNs’ gaps are in implementing modern general practice.