PCN Incorporation

I am often asked ‘should our PCN incorporate’? This is often difficult to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as so much depends on your vision and current governance arrangements.

My reply often starts with ‘why are you considering it? Or what are you trying to achieve’? If you have merged the practices in the PCN or have an eye on the single-neighbourhood provider contracts (50k populations) announced in the NHS 10-year plan then it is easier to answer yes you should seriously consider moving your PCN to a limited company model. The ability to hold formal contracts and the obvious limits to personal liability and risk are key considerations. The same may be true for GP federations who might be looking for their PCNs to sub-contract PCN activities to them to deliver under the multi-neighbourhood provider type contracts (250k populations).

We will be recording a podcast on PCN incorporation during November and put the recording on our web site for you to review at your convenience.

William Greenwood

CEO Cheshire LMC