The Neighbourhood Health Service, described in the Government's 10 Year Health Plan for England, aims bring care into local communities. Primary Care is expected to have a vital role in setting out how a Neighbourhood Health Service will transform access to general practice and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions.
Here is a summary of the key points in the plan for primary care colleagues:
- End the 8am scramble by training thousands more GPs and building online advice into the NHS App. People who need one will be able to get a same day GP appointment.
- Introduce two new contracts, with roll-out beginning next year, to encourage GPs to work over larger geographical areas and lead new neighbourhood providers.
- Allow patients to book appointments, communicate with professionals, receive advice, draft or view their care plan and self-refer to local tests and services via the NHS app.
- Make sure persistent poor-quality care results in the decommissioning or contract termination of services or providers, no matter whether they are a GP practice.
- All NHS organisations will be asked to prepare robust and realistic five-year plans, demonstrating how financial sustainability will be secured over the medium term.
- High-quality care will attract a bonus whereas payment for poor-quality care will result in withheld payments. In addition, new incentives for the best NHS leaders, clinicians and teams will be introduced.
Finally, a reminder that to support the launch of the 10 Year Health Plan the NHS Chief Executive, James Mackey, has written an open letter to all NHS staff.
Read letter
