ICBs will test new ways of using ‘more flexible staffing models’, data and process automation within general practice in a pilot scheme that could change the way the profession works, NHS England has announced.
A letter sent to integrated care boards today stated that seven ICBs, led by Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, will work with PCNs to formulate new ways of working within general practice.
This will ‘further deliver’ on 2022 report by GP and NHS national medical director for primary care Dr Claire Fuller, which recommended the use of integrated neighbourhood teams, including ‘enabl[ing] primary care in every neighbourhood to create single urgent care teams’.
It has previously been reported that ICBs have put forward plans to separate same-day access from general practice, leaving practices responsibility for routine appointments only, which they have claimed is in line with the Fuller report.
In March, an ICB shelved plans for a same-day access hub due to backlash from GPs and patients.
These new pilots will shape how the Fuller report is implemented more widely, however.
It comes as NHS England confirmed 25 more specialised services that all ICBs will take commissioning responsibility for from April 2025.
A version of this story was first published on our sister title Pulse.
