With neighbourhood health contracts on the way and more Primary Care Networks (PCNs) considering incorporation, now is a good time to check your network’s insurance. Here are the questions we’re being asked most.
1. Can our PCN take out its own insurance policy?
Only if it’s a legal entity. Most PCNs are contractual arrangements between practices under the Network Agreement, so they can’t hold a policy in their own name. If your PCN has set up a limited company, LLP or CIC, that entity can insure itself.
2. So who insures the PCN staff?
Whoever legally employs them. That might be a lead practice, each member practice for its share of staff, a GP federation or trust, or an incorporated PCN. The name on the employment contract matters more than the name on the badge.
3. Our ARRS staff work across several practices. Are they covered?
Not automatically. The employing practice’s employers’ liability (EL) policy must cover staff working at the other member practices’ sites, not just its own premises. Look for an extension covering “hired or borrowed” staff. Practices hosting staff they don’t employ should check this too.
4. Isn’t public liability included with employers’ liability?
Not necessarily. They’re separate covers, often sold together in a surgery package. Check that both appear on your schedule, with the limits you expect.
5. Doesn’t CNSGP cover all of this?
No. The Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice covers clinical negligence only. Employers’ liability, public liability and employment disputes need commercial cover. Clinical Directors should also check they have professional indemnity cover for their management role, which the NHS scheme doesn’t cover.
6. A venue has asked for our public liability certificate. What do we send?
Only employers’ liability comes with a certificate. For public liability, venues and event organisers usually accept a letter from your broker or insurer confirming the cover is in place and the limit of indemnity. If PCN staff are attending, tell us who employs them and what the event involves, so the letter reflects the right policy.
7. What does our broker need to know about our PCN?
Who employs each member of the PCN team, which sites they work from, what roles they carry out, and any activities outside the surgery, such as home visits or community events. Let us know when this changes too, for example new roles, staff moving employer or your PCN incorporating. This helps make sure your cover keeps pace with how your network actually works.
The common thread
Know who employs your PCN staff, and make sure your insurer knows too. If you’re not sure your cover has kept up with your PCN, get in touch. We’re happy to help.
