This week, Ben offers a solo episode where he discusses the future for PCNs and shares his insights on what to expect from March 2024 onwards. During the podcast, he covers various topics, including the NHS long term plan, the 5 year GP contract and the Fuller stocktake report. Ben also addresses the growing unpopularity of PCNs and offers his perspective on the reasons behind this. He sheds light on integrated neighbourhood teams and their implications for the healthcare system. Looking ahead, Ben explores the focus on integration in next year's contract and the existing gap between General Practice and the rest of the healthcare system. He provides valuable insights into what aspects we should and shouldn't be concerned about once the contract concludes in March next year. Ben ends the episode by emphasising the importance of taking proactive steps now to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Introduction - what is the future of PCNs? (0:09)

The Context:

1. The NHS Long Term Plan.. (1:12)

2. The new five-year GP contract (2.37)

3. Fuller Stocktake report (4:25)

4. Integrated Care Systems.. (5:52)

5. Noise Re: nationalisation of General Practice.. (6:49)

Where are we now? (8:18)

1. An increase in the unpopularity of PCNs.. (9:54)

2. Integrated Neighbourhood Teams.. (11:10)

3. Next year's contract? (12:23)

What does all this mean? (13:33)

What should we be worried about from March next year? (14:41)

What shouldn’t we be worried about from March next year? (16:58)

What do we do now? (18:30)

Listen to Matthew Winn – ICS Incoming…. Primary Care and Community Trusts here.

For all enquiries about the Ockham podcast, please contact Ben Gowland here.