Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, with general practices being a part of a network, typically covering 30,000-50,000 patients. The networks will provide the structure and funding for services to be developed locally, in response to the needs of the patients they serve. It is important that community pharmacy teams are fully involved in the work of their PCN and this is being encouraged via the Pharmacy Quality Scheme.
The networks will have expanded neighbourhood teams which will comprise a range of staff such as GPs, clinical pharmacists, district nurses, community geriatricians, dementia workers and Allied Health Professionals such as physiotherapists and podiatrists/chiropodists, joined by social care and the voluntary sector’.
Guidance and resources to help community pharmacy get involved in PCNs
Visit CPE for more info on the following:
- What are Primary Care Networks?
- How were PCNs formed?
- The Primary Care Home model and the development of PCNs
PCNs and COVID-19 – Click here to find out more about the COVID-19 vaccination programme
Future of pharmacy animation is launched
Webinars
Link to all webinars: https://www.england.nhs.uk/gp/gpfv/redesign/primary-care-networks/events-and-webinars/
PCN Engagement Routes: Engage with the NHS
- To read the NHS Long Term Plan: https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/
- Sign up for the quarterly Pharmacy and Medicines Bulletin: https://www.england.nhs.uk/email-bulletins/pharmacy-and-medicines/
- The FutureNHS site includes a highly active discussion forum and a range of PCN resources, including recent ‘Working with Pharmacy’ webinars – request access to the site via england.PCN@nhs.net
- Webinars and events, FAQs and other materials at: www.england.nhs.uk/pcn
- Primary care networks: A briefing for pharmacy teams: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/pcn-briefing-pharmacy-teams.pdf
- Listen to the latest #primarycarenetworks podcast online at: www.england.nhs.uk/gp/gpfv/redesign/primary-care-networks/primary-care-network-podcasts
- Tweet #primarycarenetworks to join in the conversation
For Pharmacy PCN Leads:
Updated PCN detail lists are available below and are shared with the pharmacy PCN leads via their gaggle group:
PCN Lead & Pharmacy Details – 16.4.24
PCN GP & Pharmacy Lead Details – 16.1.24
Pharmacy PCN leads are accredited to use the PCN Lead Feedback Form via PharmOutcomes. PCN Leads are required to complete the feedback form, providing information in relation to PCN engagement activity in line with the updated claims process.
Guidance:
Guidance and resources to help community pharmacy get involved in PCNs
Want to become a PCN Pharmacy Lead?
Please email your interest FAO Anthony Bryce to: humber.lpc@nhs.net
PCN One Pagers:
The LPC have prepared A4 one pagers for each PCN which have been sent to each pharmacy’s shared NHSmail address. The one pagers contain information about the PCN the pharmacy is allocated to, such as: PCN name, GPs and pharmacies within the PCN, PCN Clinical Director, Pharmacy PCN Lead and the PCN gaggle email address. The gaggle email group has been set up to enable pharmacies to communicate with their PCN lead and other pharmacy members all at once. If a pharmacy would like another copy of their PCN one pager then please email us at: humber.lpc@nhs.net.
