Collaborative Services

Collaborative services are those commissioned by local authorities in the fields of education, social services, and public health. These services often involve requests from local authorities for GPs to provide support in areas such as child protection, mental health assessments, fostering and adoption reports, and more.

Understanding Collaborative Services and GP Involvement

While practices frequently receive requests from local authorities to perform services related to their responsibilities in education, social services, and public health, it is important to note that GPs are not obligated to provide these services under their NHS contracts. However, if a GP practice agrees to take on these services, they may be eligible for payment through “collaborative” arrangements under the NHS Act.

The Area Team, rather than the local authority, is responsible for ensuring payment for any collaborative services provided by a GP. In some areas, the local authority may initially pay the practice and then re-charge the Area Team for the cost.

Collaborative Services and the NHS Act

Under the NHS Act 2006, collaborative arrangements are defined in Chapter 6, Part 3, Paragraph 80. This includes the provision of services by healthcare professionals employed by the Secretary of State, a Strategic Health Authority, Primary Care Trusts, and other bodies related to health services. The Act ensures that local authorities can access the necessary services from GPs to meet their responsibilities in social services, education, and public health, as long as those services are not already covered by the GP’s core contract.

It’s crucial to remember that collaborative services do not include any services covered by the ‘List of Prescribed Certificates’ under the GMS and PMS Regulations. These services are already included in your NHS contract and must be provided free of charge.

Payment for Collaborative Services

While GPs are not obligated to provide collaborative services, those that do can receive payment for their time and effort. Payments for collaborative work are governed by the NHS Act, and the Area Team is responsible for making these payments. However, local authorities in some areas may initially cover the costs and then re-charge the Area Team for the work done.

Fees for collaborative services are only payable for work outside the scope of the GMS or PMS contracts. PMS contracts may already include certain collaborative services as part of the baseline contract, with fees built into the agreement.

LMC Guidance on Collaborative Services

The Local Medical Committee (LMC) plays a role in offering guidance to GP practices but cannot negotiate local fees, as doing so would be in violation of the Competition Act 1998. However, the LMC can provide assistance with:

• Reviewing old fees
• General annual inflationary uplifts
• Assessing the work involved to help practices determine appropriate fees

Best Practices for Fee Uplifts and Agreements

The LMC recommends that practices give three months’ notice to local authorities and commissioning organizations regarding any annual fee increases. This gives all parties sufficient time to review and agree on the updated terms.

Additionally, the BMA strongly advises that all agreements between practices and commissioning bodies be made in writing. This helps clarify the scope of work, expectations, and payment arrangements to avoid any misunderstandings.

Key Takeaways:

1. Collaborative services are non-obligatory but may be compensated under NHS Act provisions if undertaken.
2. Payment for these services is managed by the Area Team (not the local authority).
3. PMS contracts may already include certain collaborative work as part of their baseline, with fees included.
4. The LMC cannot negotiate fees but can guide practices on how to assess and review them.
5. Practices should provide three months’ notice for annual fee adjustments.
6. Ensure all agreements are made in writing for clarity and compliance with regulations.

By following these guidelines and understanding the framework within which collaborative services are delivered, GP practices can navigate their involvement in such arrangements efficiently and ensure they are compensated appropriately.