NCL Integrated care board (ICB) has been able to offer funding to build and manage a flexible staff pool across all 5 boroughs in NCL.  This is to engage and deploy local GPs and other Healthcare Professionals flexibly in an ongoing way, to support local primary care, including PCN extended access services.  Health & Care Staff Pool Limited was awarded the contract to deliver this service, which is known locally as NCL Connect.

The ambition is for the flexible staff pool to support groups of practices either working together within primary care networks (PCNs), or at an integrated care board (ICB) or place footprint, to increase capacity in general practice and create a new offer for local GPs and other HCPs,wanting to work flexibly. It is expected that practices and PCNs will benefit from reduced burden in accessing temporary staff, and potential to build better relationships with pool members.

GPs and other Healthcare Professionals who are supported through the NCL Connect arrangement, have access both to the flexibility of a locuming role, along with the additional benefits, such as access to localised training offers.

The vision is for NCL Connect to be developed into a mechanism that acts as a local point of contact, offering support and advice to the GP workforce through robust engagement, particularly for doctors returning to general practice such as those who wish or need to work flexibly, on a career break or parental/adoption leave.