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The proposed Single Neighbourhood Provider Contract could significantly reshape how services are commissioned and delivered at neighbourhood level, but with many details still to be confirmed, PCNs are being faced with important decisions now.

In this episode, Ben Gowland is joined by Robert McCartney, Senior Associate at Hempsons, to discuss what we know so far about the SNP Contract, the growing focus on neighbourhood footprints, and how local PCN DES variations could provide opportunities for PCNs to begin implementing change without waiting for national guidance.

They explore the practical steps PCNs can take to strengthen their position, including leadership, governance, incorporation, and service redesign. Robert shares why proactive PCNs may be best placed to influence the future of neighbourhood working, maintain control of local services, and demonstrate their ability to lead change across their communities.

Introduction (0:08)

What are PCNs and practices asking for support with right now? (0:41)

Why are some PCNs preparing for the future while others are taking a wait-and-see approach? (1:25)

What impact are funding changes having on PCNs and workforce planning? (2:46)

What is the Single Neighbourhood Provider (SNP) Contract? (4:09)

How could neighbourhood footprints affect PCN boundaries and membership? (6:01)

Can multiple PCNs work together under a neighbourhood model? (7:44)

Does collaboration increase the risk of another organisation holding the contract? (9:13)

What do the new PCN DES local variations mean for practices? (10:39)

Could local DES variations reduce the need for an SNP Contract? (11:11)

What opportunities do local variations create for service redesign? (13:47)

How do local variations differ from the SNP Contract? (14:50)

What should PCNs be doing now to prepare for the future? (17:44)

How can proactive leadership help PCNs retain influence and control? (19:58)

What practical steps should PCNs take to implement neighbourhood working? (20:36)

Do PCNs have the leadership and management capacity needed for change? (22:18)

Is incorporation necessary to prepare for the SNP Contract? (23:55)

When does setting up a company make sense for a PCN? (24:17)

Can federations provide an alternative to incorporation? (26:20)

How long does incorporation take and what are the common mistakes? (27:56)

Visit the Hempsons website here.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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In this episode of the General Practice Podcast, Ben is joined by Dr Sian Stanley, GP Partner, PCN Clinical Director and Health System Transformation Leader to explore how general practice can play a central role in reshaping urgent and community care.

Sian shares the story behind a GP-led urgent treatment centre collaborative in West Essex, bringing together primary care, community services, the acute trust and wider system partners to redesign patient flow and reinvest savings back into local services.

This is a fascinating discussion about practical system leadership, collaboration, and the future role of general practice in NHS transformation.

Introduction (0:09)

Tell us about your roles (0:23)

Tell us about the urgent treatment centre and why it’s unusual for primary care to lead it (1:38)

How does the funding and profit-sharing work within the collaborative? (3:27)

Is the hospital involved in the collaborative? (4:42)

How does making “left shift” tangible help bring practices on board? (6:15)

Is it difficult balancing system leadership with representing practices? (7:16)

How do you reassure practices and keep them engaged? (7:50)

What is the relationship with the acute trust and how has it developed? (10:04)

What impact has the loss of ICB funding had on these roles? (11:28)

How do you see the provider collaborative developing? (12:23)

Is there nervousness about acute trusts becoming too powerful in community care? (13:47)

How do you stop general practice becoming an extension of the acute trust? (15:01)

How are you tackling the “substitution effect” around hospital admissions? (17:55)

Are you starting to see shared savings models work in practice? (21:14)

How did you build influence and get a voice at the table? (23:48)

Closing reflections (26:24)

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