What are Primary Care Networks?
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are groups of general practices that work together, alongside other healthcare providers such as hospitals, community services, and social care, to offer integrated and personalised care to local communities.
Purpose and Goals
PCNs aim to improve access to primary care services and ensure patients receive coordinated and comprehensive care. By focusing on prevention and health promotion, they help manage chronic conditions more effectively and reduce the need for emergency care.
Structure and Function
Typically, PCNs consist of several GP practices serving a combined population of 30,000 to 50,000 people. They employ multidisciplinary teams, including GPs, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and social workers, to provide holistic care. By sharing resources and services, such as extended hours and specialist clinics, PCNs enhance the delivery of healthcare.
Benefits
Patients benefit from more personalised and holistic care tailored to their needs, leading to better management of chronic diseases and improved overall health outcomes. The integration and coordination of care provided by PCNs reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and enhance the patient experience.
NHS England PCN FAQs
Introduction from PCN Clinical Director Dr Anil Shah
The new GP contract, published in early 2019 as part of the NHS Long Term Plan, introduced a key element: the development of Primary Care Networks (PCNs). PCNs aim to integrate GP practices with other local services, including community, mental health, social care, and the voluntary sector, to provide comprehensive care for local populations. This initiative ensures patients can still access routine GP appointments as usual while benefiting from more coordinated services tailored to their specific needs.
Our network, Newham NW2 PCN, was established in June 2019 and now comprises five neighbouring GP practices in the London Borough of Newham:
- Newham Vicarage Practice
- 10 Vicarage Lane, Stratford, E15 4ES
- East End Medical Centre
- 61 Plashet Road, Plaistow, E13 0QA
- Stratford Health Centre
- 121-123 The Grove, Stratford, E15 1EN
- The Forest Practice
- 121 Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, E7 0EP
- Upton Lane Medical Centre
- 75-77 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9PB
I am pleased to announce that we now have an Extended Primary Care Network Team offering support and advice to our patients across all five practices. Our dedicated and expanding team of professionals includes Social Prescribers, Physician Associates, Clinical Pharmacists, and Paramedics, enabling us to offer valuable additional services.
We are also committed to enhancing patient awareness and education in various health and lifestyle areas. In collaboration with our local partners, we look forward to developing these initiatives and highlighting the vast community support services available to our patients.
Dr Anil Shah
Clinical Director of Newham NW2 Primary Care Network
Follow Newham NW2 Primary Care Network on X for latest news: