Delivery of Protected Learning Time (PLT) for General Practice, Pharmacy, Optometry and Dental

To lead, design, deliver and expand a model of Protected Learning Time (PLT) for general practice in year 1 (and in year 2 and 3 Pharmacy, Optometry and Dental), ensuring a standardised offer across NENC in terms of the number and type of events and the arrangements and funding for any clinical cover per session. As a first step, co-produce a future PLT model with general practices, recognising any cover arrangements must comply with the new contractual requirements to ensure patients have access to primary care services in person, on the telephone and through an online consultation tool.

Further work will be required in year 1 to scope the capacity and capability needed to provide the same level of support across the wider primary care contractor groups (community pharmacy, optometry and dentistry) for PLT. The relevant authority intends to award this contract under the urgent circumstances provision under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) regulations 2023.

For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024 do not apply to this award. The lifetime value of the contract is £1,262,000. Contract Start Date: 01 September 2026 Contract End Date: 31 March 2029