The first steps in implementing NHS England's General Practice Forward View have been released.
These include releasing the first £16million of a £40million programme to help struggling practices across the country and the first phase of the three-year £30million general practice development programme to provide training and development for every GP practice.
There is also new funding to offest the rising cost of GP indemnity and wider plans to reform indemnity arrangements. There were no details provided about reforming practice nurse indemnity in the plans.
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England said this funding was the first instalment. 'Practices need support, now, and a few weeks on from the General Practice Forward View we're getting on with practice action.'
The development programme will help practices to plan their Time for Care programmes, and offer training courses for clinicians and managers to lead lead change in general practice.
The funding will also be used to train receptionists and clerical staff to take on a greater role in signposting, and a practice manager development programmes.
Lara Carmona, associate director for policy, international and parliamentary at the RCN said that 'the vital role that practice nurses must play in an effective and sustainable GP service needs more recognition'.
'Practice nurses are an invaluable asset to the health service and should be at the heart of efforts to improve primary care. The GP Forward View is a welcome recognition of the importance of GPs and practice nurses and it is good to see more detail today.'
From April 2017, there will also be funds for CCGs to install online consultation systems in GP practices.