In engaging with your surgery, you may have come across the words ‘Primary Care Network’ and wondered what relevance it has to your health care provision. So,
What is a Primary Care Network?
A Primary care network (PCN) is a group of GP practices working together with local providers, including community services, social care and the voluntary sector . The aim is to offer personalised coordinated health and social care to local populations.
Services delivered through our Primary Care Network (PCN)
Hathaway Surgery, while operating as an individual NHS practice with its own surgery staffing team and patient lists, is also part of a local PCN. We are members of the Chippenham, Corsham and Box PCN Patient Group, which brings together the five surgeries within the locality, Rowden Surgery, Hathaway Surgery, The Lodge Surgery , Porch Surgery and Box Surgery, a total of 62,000 patients and growing!
PCNs were set up in England in 2019, as per the NHS England GP contract, and make possible the delivery of aspects of patient care which are more effectively and easily provided through shared resources. Each one is managed by a board whose members are drawn from the member practices and its aim is to determine and agree what those shared resources should be, keeping the provision under review and implementing any changes or additions, bearing in mind financial constraints.
Current PCN provision
The Urgent Care Centre, based at the Hathaway branch surgery on New Road, Chippenham. This facility has been developed to take away some of the ‘on the day demand’ for appointments at the individual practices, allowing pressure to be relieved for routine appointments. Currently the UCC operates on Monday and Friday.
The Living Well Team, is an example of how medical and social needs interact. The Social prescribers involved provide help and guidance to patients by signposting support available through local groups and community activities.
Other services include a Clinical Pharmacy Team and a Physiotherapy team along with a team of Physician Associates and Trainee Nurse Associates.
Future possibilities
The PCN members are currently working on a service to relieve the five surgeries of some home visits in our local care homes and are also investigating a “Well Woman Hub”.
General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)
During the course of their work, PCN staff may share patient information across the PCN Team when it is necessary for appropriate care. When this happens, staff will always ensure that appropriate agreements are in place to protect personal information and keep it safe and secure.
