Welcome to your
Primary Care Network

Local Doctors Surgery

Enabling us to offer you a better service.

A doctor’s time has undoubtedly become more squeezed in recent years, with pressure to deliver additional service requirements, less time to interact with Patients and colleagues, as well as limited time for learning and reflection.

Primary Care Networks will provide the structure and funding for services to be developed locally, in response to the needs of the patients they serve.

Your local Primary Care Network (P.C.N) will typically be serving communities of around 30,000 to 50,000 patients and will be located across the whole of England. They will be small enough to be able to offer personal care to both the patient and healthcare professionals alike. There will be a much better formed collaboration between general practices and other essential local health and social care services including community Pharmacies. This in turn should lead to better services for patients and help modernise and improve care.

Yours faithfully,

Dr Jones

Introduction to Primary Care Networks (PCN's)

Introduction to Primary Care Networks (PCN’s)

In all areas of the N.H.S. we strive to create products that are customer focused and thrive on providing the very best in factual content.

Digital communication is now fundamental to any communication strategy. It offers the opportunity to interact directly with our audiences, often in real-time, in highly innovative and engaging ways.

We hope you find this platform informative, easy to comprehend and visually stimulating.

If you require information in any other format please do not hesitate to contact your local practise.

 

The gloves are off! Here’s the reality...

What are PCN’S?

In short a Primary Care Network (PCN) is a group of local General Practices that work as a networking group, sharing staff and in general collaborating while still maintaining the independence of the individual practices.

It is known that there is likely going to be around 1,300 Primary care Networks (PCN’S) operating across England. The average practice size at present is just over 8,000 residents, however if a practice has a registered list of over 30,000 they can register automatically as a PCN. Where possible GP Practices will amalgamate to generate the 30-50,000 required to be registered as a PCN.

What will they do?

The new GP contract (The NHS Long Term Plan) is designed to deliver commitments made in this plan. It will be the role of the Primary Care Network (PCN) to become the key vehicle in delivering these improvements. Once they are formed the PCN Networks will have the responsibility for delivering seven national service specifications set out in the contract, and in return new funding will be fourth coming. The specifications are as follows;

Structured Medicines Review.

Enhanced Health in Care Homes.

Anticipatory Care.

Personalised Care.

Supporting early Cancer Diagnosis.

Cardiovascular disease, prevention and diagnosis.

Tackling neighbourhood inequalities.

Groups of GP Practices working together as a network will have a designated single bank account through which all funding will flow. NHS England has calculated that by 2023/24 a typical network covering 50,000 people will receive up to £1.47m with a PCN network contracts in place.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ROLES

Your Primary Care Network (PCN) will first and foremost draw on the expertise of existing staff already employed by their constituent practices. However your PCN will receive funding to employ Additional Roles where required. This is where most of the allocated funding provided will be spent. The health and social services sourced will differ from each PCN dependent on the budget allocated to that PCN and the additional health and social care roles required.

This scheme is known as the;

Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme or “ARRS” for short.

In general the roles sourced will be Clinical Pharmacies (2019) Social prescribing Link Working (2019 cost already covered 100%) Physician Associates (2020) Physiotherapists (2020) Paramedics (2021) but as previously mentioned the PCN’S will have the flexibility to choose which staff they wish to employ dependent on the requirements and needs of the local area.

Here is a list of patient Health and social care services that maybe sourced if required.

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How will it benefit the Patient?

Here are some of the major benefits and reasons why Primary Care Networks (P.C.N’S.) are being introduced.

Patients will receive;

*Longer GP consultations, up to 20 minutes where patients need them.

* Same day appointments with the right health professional to meet patients needs, this maybe a GP, but could also be a nurse, pharmacist, paramedic or physician associate.

* Patients being referred directly into other services including dental, pharmacy, eye health and community or voluntary services by their practice.

* Greater access to telephone, online or video consultations with a health professional and opportunities to take part in group consultations.

* Online access to health advice and information via websites and apps to help patients manage their own health.

* Technology to help people live independently at home for as long as possible.

* The opportunity for patients to be more involved in their own care and have a greater say in local health services and how these are delivered.

In short this new and exciting way of working enables health and other services to work together to provide better access for patients.

 

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How will it benefit the Patient?

Here are some of the major benefits and reasons why Primary Care Networks (P.C.N’S.) are being introduced.

Patients will receive;

*Longer GP consultations, up to 20 minutes where patients need them.

* Same day appointments with the right health professional to meet patients needs, this maybe a GP, but could also be a nurse, pharmacist, paramedic or physician associate.

* Patients being referred directly into other services including dental, pharmacy, eye health and community or voluntary services by their practice.

* Greater access to telephone, online or video consultations with a health professional and opportunities to take part in group consultations.

* Online access to health advice and information via websites and apps to help patients manage their own health.

* Technology to help people live independently at home for as long as possible.

* The opportunity for patients to be more involved in their own care and have a greater say in local health services and how these are delivered.

In short this new and exciting way of working enables health and other services to work together to provide better access for patients.

 

See the best Doctor/Service for your needs

MAKE THE CHOICE

Self-care

Self-care is usually the best choice to treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. A range of common illnesses and complaints, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

Pharmacy

Your local high street pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints, without having to wait for a GP appointment or go to A&E. To find your nearest local pharmacy, visit www.nhs.uk or text ‘pharmacy’ to 64746.

NHS England is the commissioning organisation for pharmacy services. If you need any specific support in relation to pharmacy services, you can contact the local NHS England team at: www.england.nhs.uk/north/north/lanc-at/

Dentist

Dentists are healthcare professionals who can help you to have healthy teeth and gums by undertaking regular checks, and provide treatment when necessary.

There are dental surgeries located across your area. Your dentist will decide how often they need to see you based on the condition of your mouth, teeth and gums. If you have no current problems, your dentist might not need to see you for up to two years.

The NHS Choices website provides information about local dental services and surgeries, including opening hours, contact details and how to register.

NHS England is the commissioning organisation for dental services. If you need any specific support in relation to dentists, you can contact the local NHS England team at: www.england.nhs.uk/north/north/lanc-at/

GP

If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away, then you need to make an appointment with your GP practice. GP practices provide care, which may involve appointments or telephone advice either with a GP or practice nurse.

GPs are able to provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.

Out of hours and urgent advice

For non-emergency health issues during hours when the surgery is closed, please telephone 111. This will connect you to the national NHS 111 service, who will assess your condition and direct you to the local service best suited to your needs. NHS 111 is available 24/7 and is free to call from both landlines and mobiles.

For further information, visit: www.nhs.uk/111

GP-led Walk-in Centre

It offers healthcare for patients with a new or recent injury or illness, and access to a range of treatments for minor illnesses and injuries including infections, rashes, lacerations, emergency contraception and advice, stomach upsets, cuts, bruises, burns and strains.

Same-day Health Centre

The Same-day Health Centre provides healthcare services for the residents and visitors. It offers same-day healthcare for patients with a new or recent injury or illness, including infections and rashes, minor cuts or bruises, minor burns and strains, and stomach aches.

NHS111

NHS111 is a free service, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It offers help and advice for those times when it’s not a 999 emergency, but you do need help and advice fast. When you dial 111 you will be directed to the best local service for you.

A&E, emergency or the 999 ambulance service

Accident & Emergency (A&E) and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. Dialing 999 and stating an emergency situation will result in a response vehicle being sent to your location.

Please remember A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service are for genuine accidents and emergencies. Inappropriate use of these services can cause unnecessary delays for those who need urgent care and wastes precious resources.

Clinical Pharmacists

Clinical pharmacists work directly with physicians, other health professionals, and patients to ensure that the medications prescribed for patients contribute to the best possible health outcomes. … Evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of the patient’s medications.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Physician Associates

Physician associates increase the numbers of the medical workforce and increase access to quality care for patients. They act in an enabling role, helping to reduce the healthcare team’s workload, and bring new talent to the NHS, adding to the skill mix within the teams.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Social Prescribing Link Worker

Social prescribing link workers help to reduce health inequalities by supporting people to unpick complex issues affecting their wellbeing. They enable people to have more control over their lives, develop skills and give their time to others, through involvement in community groups.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice. They maintain health for people of all ages, helping patients to manage pain and prevent disease.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Paramedics.

paramedic is typically one of the first healthcare professionals to arrive at the scene of an emergency. Typical duties of the job include: … assessing patients, providing emergency treatment and making diagnoses. Monitoring and administering medication, pain relief and intravenous infusions. Not till 2021/22

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Chiropodists

chiropodist or podiatrist is a specialised foot doctor who treats people suffering from lower limb or common foot problems such as bunions and ingrown toenails. … They can also treat calluses and corns, varicose veins, smelly feet, cracked heels and athlete’s foot.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Podiatrists

Podiatrists treat a variety of foot and ankle ailments, including calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and arch problems. They also treat foot and leg problems associated with diabetes and other diseases. Some podiatrists spend most of their time performing advanced surgeries, such as foot and ankle reconstruction.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

 

Dementia worker

To provide support, information and guidance to people with dementia and their carers helping to maintain their independence, improving their sense of well-being, and putting them in more control of their lives. To assist people with dementia and their carers to identify their needs and access to services.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

Community Geriatricians

geriatrician supports intermediate care and integrated local teams by providing input to multidisciplinary meetings, visiting patients when needed, and giving verbal advice. They work within community hospitals on wards and in outpatient clinics, and they support virtual wards.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

District Nurse.

District nurses play a crucial role in the primary health care team. They visit people in their own homes or in residential care homes, providing care for patients and supporting family members. … You may be visiting patients every day or more than once a day, offering help, advice and support.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode

 

Social Care

Social care workers give practical and emotional support to a wide range of different people. Working with individuals, families and communities, they often help to protect and promote people’s wellbeing so that they can enjoy a better quality of life.

More information: www.nhs-url.com
Call: 012345 678909
Location: Address Line 01, Town, Postcode