The recent report from Lord Darzi, Independent Investigation of the National Health Service in England, reflects many of the long-standing issues and concerns we’ve been raising in General Practice for the past decade. While there are no shocking revelations, this is a positive development—it shows that what we’ve been advocating for is now being recognised, and, crucially, it is on its way to becoming official policy. Below are the key takeaways for practice managers and GP partners, with a specific focus on general practice finance.
1. Long-Term Financial Sustainability
The report underscores the need for a more sustainable financial model for general practices. It highlights the short-term focus on budgets, which has led to underfunding and instability. A shift towards multi-year funding plans is now being seriously considered.
2. Increased Investment in Primary Care
A key recommendation is the reallocation of NHS funds towards primary care. General practice is seen as central to reducing pressures on hospitals, and the report suggests a significant increase in funding to match this role.
3. Fairer Funding Allocation
The report emphasises the need for a more equitable distribution of funding across regions. Historically, areas with higher health needs have not received proportionate funding, and this imbalance needs correction, which will likely benefit practices in deprived areas.
4. Workforce Investment
There’s a clear focus on financial investment in the workforce. The report calls for dedicated funding to train and retain GPs, practice nurses, and other primary care staff, acknowledging that current levels of staffing are unsustainable without greater financial support.
5. Innovation and Technology Funding
The report pushes for increased financial investment in digital and technological innovations within general practice. This includes expanding the use of telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and electronic patient records, all of which require upfront investment but can lead to long-term savings.
6. Support for Smaller Practices
Recognising the financial strain on smaller practices, the report suggests dedicated funding to ensure they remain viable. There’s a push for targeted financial support to maintain service delivery in areas where small practices are the main providers of care.
7. Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and Financial Reorganisation
The report emphasises the role of ICS in managing financial resources. For GPs, this means greater collaboration and sharing of budgets across healthcare providers in a region. Practices will need to adjust to new models of financial oversight and planning.
8. Efficiency through Collaboration
The report highlights the financial benefits of practices working together in Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Shared services, such as administration and specialised roles, can drive down costs while improving patient care, aligning with current trends towards cost-saving collaborations.
9. Outcomes-Based Funding
A shift towards outcomes-based funding models is encouraged. General practices will see more financial incentives tied to patient outcomes rather than simply the number of appointments or consultations, potentially reshaping how practices manage their financial and care strategies.
10. Prevention Over Cure
Investment in preventive care is identified as a cost-effective approach for the NHS. General practice will play a central role in preventive health initiatives, with the report calling for financial incentives that reward practices for proactive management of chronic diseases and health screening.
Summary
There are no surprises in this report, and that’s a good thing. It confirms what many of us in general practice have been saying for years—our funding models are outdated, unsustainable, and in need of reform. Now, with these recommendations on the path to becoming policy, we can expect a future where general practice is better funded, better supported, and more able to meet the needs of our patients.