Primary Care Networks (PCNs)
NHS England has significant ambitions for Primary Care Networks (PCNs), with the expectation that they will be a key vehicle for delivering many of the commitments in the long-term plan and providing a wider range of services to patients.
PCNs are based on general practice registered lists, typically serving natural communities of around 30,000 to 50,000 patients. They should be small enough to provide the personal care valued by both patients and healthcare professionals, but large enough to have impact and economies of scale through better collaboration between general practices and others in the local health and social care system, including community pharmacies.
They will eventually be required to deliver a set of seven national service specifications, these are: structured medication reviews, enhanced health in care homes, anticipatory care (with community services), personalised care, supporting early cancer diagnosis, cardiovascular disease case-finding and locally agreed action to tackle inequalities.
This short NHS England animation explains the concept of PCNs and how this new way of working enables health and other services to work together to provide better access for patients.
Surrey and Sussex has over 60 Primary Care Networks. Read more
More information
- This briefing document provides information on supporting primary care network for pharmacy teams.
- PCNs in Surrey and Sussex
- Contact lpc@communitypharmacyss.co.uk
