News

Every GP practice in Kent and Medway has signed up to the Single Neighbourhood Health (SNH) Offer - a major milestone for local primary care and patients with the most complex needs.

The 100 per cent sign-up means more than 170 practices are now committed to working together in a more joined-up way, helping people get proactive, coordinated support closer to home.

The result follows NHS England's approval last month of a local variation to the Network Contract Direct Enhanced Service (DES), enabling GP-led single neighbourhood care to be delivered through existing primary care network (PCN) arrangements.

Developed jointly by NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and local GP representatives, Kent Local Medical Committee (LMC), the variation will simplify arrangements, reduce fragmentation, strengthen continuity of care and unlock nearly £10million of new annual investment for patients who need the most support.

It is the first use of this power nationally and gives general practice a leading role in shaping new single neighbourhood arrangements focused on improving outcomes for people with the most complex health needs.

The new contract gives practices greater professional freedom, simpler requirements and sustainable funding, while retaining existing GP core contracts.

Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, NHS Kent and Medway said: “We are delighted to confirm we have full participation across Kent and Medway for SNH; this is a significant milestone for our residents.

“Through SNH, practices and primary care networks (PCNs) will lead delivery of proactive, multidisciplinary neighbourhood care focused on those who are most likely to benefit from coordinated support.”

Dr Gaurav Gupta, Chair of Kent LMC said: “The achievement of full sign-up demonstrates the strong partnership between practices, PCNs, Kent LMC and NHS Kent and Medway, and provides a solid foundation for the next phase of implementation.
 
“We would like to thank practices and PCNs for the time, effort and collaboration that has gone into getting us to this point. We recognise the scale of the change and the commitment shown across primary care to make this a success.”