The 2024/5 contract for Primary Care Networks builds on the successful roll-out of social prescribing across England.
The recently published Network Contract DES continues to state that it is a “key requirement” for all Primary Care Networks to provide access to social prescribing for those who may benefit, with funding available to employ Social Prescribing Link Workers.
This builds on the welcome progress made since 2019, with over 2.6 million patients referred to social prescribing so far.
The contract continues to include the additional reimbursement of costs for sub-contracted social prescribing providers, supporting voluntary sector provision of link workers in primary care.
Under the new contract, Primary Care Networks can now also claim reimbursement for the time that Link Workers spend out of practice on training courses or in peer support networks.
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive of NASP, said “We welcome the ongoing commitment to social prescribing in this year’s GP contract. Social Prescribing Link Workers are doing fantastic work supporting people and ensuring they can access non-medical support that benefits their health and wellbeing.
“The new contract continues to make it clear that social prescribing is an important part of primary care, which should be available for patients in every area.”
