PCN DES 25/26: Enhancing Network Performance and Patient Care

• 28th April 2024

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Updated: April 2025

1. Key Requirements of PCN DES 24/25
2. Strategic Planning for PCN DES 24/25
3. Navigating PCN DES Implementation
4. The Evolving Landscape of PCN DES
5. Core Prescribing Solutions: Your Partner in Excellence
6. Additional Resources

What is PCN DES?

PCN DES stands for Primary Care Network Directed Enhanced Service, a nationally agreed NHS contract that brings GP practices together to improve local patient care. It supports Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to deliver enhanced services, expand their workforce, and tackle community health priorities. Updated annually, PCN DES drives collaboration, focuses on prevention, and helps integrate care across the NHS, making it a key part of modern primary care delivery.

Key Requirements of PCN DES 25/26

The PCN DES 24/25 cycle introduces specific requirements critical for primary care networks aiming to meet and exceed healthcare delivery standards. This section provides a detailed overview of the PCN DES Specification, workforce and capacity needs, and the PCN DES ARRS funding model under the Network Contract DES 24/25.

Service Specifications

The PCN DES 25/26 cycle introduces updated requirements designed to help primary care networks deliver high-quality, patient-centred care while responding to national priorities. This section covers the latest PCN DES Specification, workforce developments under the ARRS scheme, and updated funding arrangements as set out in the Network Contract DES 25/26. From structured medication reviews to support for early cancer diagnosis and management of chronic conditions, the specifications outline a patient-centred approach to healthcare.

Service Specifications

The DES Contract outlines a wide range of services PCNs must deliver. For 25/26, there is a strengthened focus on preventive care, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, reflecting the NHS’s priority to reduce avoidable illness and early mortality. Structured medication reviews remain essential, alongside proactive care, support for early cancer diagnosis, and chronic disease management. Importantly, a new Advice and Guidance enhanced service has been introduced, enabling quicker specialist input to support community care and reduce hospital referrals.

Workforce & Capacity

The success of PCN DES 25/26 continues to depend on building a strong, capable workforce. This year’s ARRS scheme expands to include new nursing roles: Healthcare Assistants (Band 3), New to General Practice Nurses (Band 5), Experienced General Practice Nurses (Band 6), and Consultant Nurses in Primary Care (Band 8c). Restrictions have also been lifted on the number of Digital and Transformation Leads and Enhanced Practice Nurses PCNs can claim for. PCNs are required to submit a workforce plan to their ICB’s, setting out recruitment goals and ensuring the workforce matches population needs.

Funding

The funding model for PCN DES 25/26 sees an uplift, with an additional £889 million investment across the core GP contract and Network Contract DES. PCNs will continue to benefit from base payments, service-specific incentives, and performance-based rewards through schemes like the Capacity and Access Improvement Payment (CAIP) and Capacity and Access Support Payment (CASP). The CAIP now focuses on improving modern access and incentivising population health management tools to identify patients who would benefit most from continuity of care.

Strategic Planning for PCN DES 25/26

Strategic planning remains essential for successfully delivering the PCN DES 25/26, aligning with NHS England’s latest priorities and the broader objectives of the updated GP Contract. With new workforce requirements, funding changes, and an increased focus on preventive care and digital solutions, this section offers a blueprint for PCNs to plan effectively for the year ahead.

Tips on Strategic Planning

To meet the 25/26 PCN DES requirements, PCNs must set clear, actionable goals aligned with service specifications, funding opportunities, and workforce expectations. Start with a full assessment of current services and workforce capacity to identify gaps, especially in areas like cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and advice and guidance services. Stakeholder engagement is critical — ensure your entire team, including new roles under ARRS, understands their responsibilities and the PCN’s objectives. Early planning will also support the completion of the mandatory workforce plan by 31 October 2025.

Operational Adjustments Needed

This DES cycle may require PCNs to make significant operational changes. Review your existing processes, staffing levels, and use of digital tools to ensure alignment with updated DES expectations. Integrating new roles such as Healthcare Assistants, General Practice Nurses, and Digital and Transformation Leads will be vital. PCNs should also prioritise optimising access to services and improving continuity of care, both of which are central to the Capacity and Access Improvement Payment (CAIP). Flexibility and ongoing staff training will be key to adapting to these evolving requirements.

Role of Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists continue to play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of PCN DES 25/26. Their expertise in medication reviews, particularly for patients with complex needs and long-term conditions, directly supports the DES’s patient-centred approach. Pharmacists also contribute to preventive care goals, such as managing cardiovascular risk factors and supporting medication adherence. Integrated within multidisciplinary teams, they help PCNs enhance service delivery and patient outcomes.

Related Article: Telehealths Role in Enhancing Medication Adherence

Utilising Technology and Data Analytics

Digital transformation remains a core theme of PCN DES 25/26. PCNs should leverage digital health records, patient management systems, and advanced data analytics to track performance, identify high-risk patients, and inform service planning. The emphasis on population health tools within CAIP makes data-driven decision-making even more critical this year. Technology enables PCNs to proactively manage patient care, improve access, and demonstrate compliance with DES objectives.

Navigating PCN DES Implementation

Delivering PCN DES 25/26 requires clear planning, smart resource use, and strong collaboration. With new workforce roles, funding changes, and a sharper focus on prevention and digital tools, this section outlines practical steps, solutions to challenges, and proven best practices.

Practical Strategies

Start by mapping service delivery pathways, focusing on areas like CVD prevention and the new Advice and Guidance service. Allocate resources effectively, bringing in new ARRS roles such as Healthcare Assistants, Practice Nurses, and Digital Leads. Strong collaboration is essential — practices should share insights and align workflows to meet DES targets and unlock funding like CAIP.

Overcoming Challenges

Workforce expansion, digital integration, and consistent care delivery remain key challenges. Invest in interoperable IT systems to support data sharing and population health management. Regular staff training will embed service standards and help integrate new team members. Prioritise patient engagement, especially for prevention initiatives, to align services with local health needs.

Best Practices

Successful PCNs build multidisciplinary teams and use data to target care effectively. Networks that integrate services for chronic disease management see better patient outcomes.

In 25/26, best practice includes using digital tools to identify patients needing continuity of care, helping PCNs maximise CAIP rewards. Regular data reviews ensure services stay responsive and aligned with DES goals.

The Evolving Landscape of PCN DES

The landscape of Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and the Directed Enhanced Service (DES) continues to evolve in 2025/26, reflecting shifting NHS priorities and the drive for more integrated, patient-focused care. This year’s updates build on previous cycles, with renewed focus on prevention, digital transformation, and workforce expansion to meet growing community health needs.

Key Evolutions in 2025/26

For 2025/26, the PCN DES introduces expanded workforce flexibility and fresh incentives to improve access and population health management. The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) now includes more nursing roles and removes limits on Digital and Transformation Leads, supporting PCNs to better structure teams around local priorities.

The Capacity and Access Improvement Payment (CAIP) sharpens its focus on using data-driven tools to improve patient access and continuity of care, rewarding PCNs that proactively manage demand and identify high-risk patients early.

There is also a clear push towards prevention, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention now a major priority, supported by the reallocation of Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) points. Combined with the introduction of the Advice and Guidance service, these changes encourage PCNs to deliver timely interventions and reduce pressure on secondary care.

Adapting to Change

As the DES continues to mature, PCNs must stay agile—integrating digital solutions, expanding multidisciplinary teams, and using data insights to shape services. Embracing these updates is essential for sustaining high-quality, responsive care in local communities.

Understanding and adapting to the evolving PCN DES ensures networks remain aligned with NHS goals, maximise funding opportunities, and most importantly, deliver better outcomes for their patients.

Core Prescribing Solutions: Your Partner in Excellence

As PCNs gear up to meet the PCN DES 25/26 requirements, Core Prescribing Solutions stands ready as your strategic partner, bringing a suite of services designed to ensure seamless compliance and enhance overall network performance.

Services Offered by Core Prescribing Solutions

Core Prescribing Solutions offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to support PCNs in every aspect of DES compliance and optimisation. From clinical pharmacy services to workforce planning and operational support, our expert team is equipped to address the unique needs of your network. Our services include:

• Clinical Pharmacy Support: Enhancing medication management, medication safety, and patient education.
• Strategic Planning Assistance: Offering guidance on aligning network operations with DES specifications.
• Technology Integration: Facilitating the adoption of digital tools and data analytics for improved patient care and compliance monitoring.

The Unique Value Proposition

What sets Core Prescribing Solutions apart is our deep understanding of the NHS England GP Contract and the evolving landscape of primary care. Our expertise not only lies in ensuring DES compliance but also in driving innovations that enhance PCN performance and patient outcomes. By partnering with us, PCNs can expect:

• Customised Solutions: Crafting services that resonate with your specific challenges and goals.
• Expert Guidance: Access to seasoned professionals with a track record of success in primary care service delivery
• Comprehensive Support: From planning to implementation, our team is with you every step of the way, ensuring your network thrives under the DES framework.

For PCNs looking to excel in the PCN DES 24/25 cycle and beyond, Core Prescribing Solutions is your ideal partner. We invite you to reach out to us for a consultation or service inquiry. Discover how we can work together to elevate your network’s performance and patient care standards. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey towards excellence in primary care.

Additional Resources and FAQs

Navigating the complexities of Network Contract DES and PCN DES 24/25 requires access to reliable and up-to-date resources. This section provides essential links and answers to frequently asked questions to further assist with understanding what is a DES and how it impacts Primary Care Networks.

Essential Links:

• NHS England Official Documentation: For comprehensive details on the Network Contract DES, including the latest PCN DES 25/26 specifications. Here, you’ll find official guidance, contractual documents, and updates.
• Professional Associations: Associations such as the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) offer resources, support, and training opportunities for practices adapting to DES requirements.

Frequentley Asked Questions About PCN DES