Frequently Asked Questions about Primary Care Networks
Here are some straightforward answers to some of the most common questions about Primary Care Networks.
What does PCN stand for?
A PCN is a Primary Care Network.
Why do I need to know about PCNs?
There are two main reasons to tell patients about our network:
Firstly, if you are contacted by or referred to a member of our network team, then it’s easier for patients to verify staff’s identities.
Secondly, as PCNs are still relatively young, it’s a chance to introduce patients to these new services and the staff who deliver them.
What staff and services does the PCN offer?
Each network chooses the services and staff that will most benefit patients in their area.
Follow the link to meet our team.
Working with our Clinical Directors, Dr Guy Clements and Dr Ben Davies are:
Clinical Pharmacists:
Carol Dolderson
Tom Byrne
Kristine Hanna
Clinical Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians who carry out reviews with patients who take multiple types of medication regularly.
Pharmacy Technicians:
Social Prescribing Link Workers support people with a range of needs, connecting them to non-clinical services. The team members specifically specialise in mental health concerns, older people, and the housebound.
Social Prescribing Link Workers:
Sarah McGuinness
Kathryn McHarg
Clare Matthews
Lauren Woods
Working closely with our Social Prescribers is our Network Physio, who regularly runs classes to help people regain their mobility and get active.
Physiotherapist
Our same-day access team provide home visits and urgent assessments for patients.
Advanced Paramedic Practitioners
Mathew Curtis-Holloway
Caroline Wood
Which practices are in the PCN?
Jesmond Lower Gosforth PCN comprises 4 GP practices – Roseworth Surgery, The Grove Medical Group, Avenue Medical Practice and Jesmond Health Partnership.
How long have PCNs existed?
Since 2019, when they were introduced alongside the NHS Long Term Plan and the revised GP contract.
What are PCNs for?
To provide new, easily accessible services that meet the changing needs of people in the local area. There is a particular focus on helping the increasing number of people with long-term conditions manage their health and promoting positive, preventative healthcare.
How do they work, and who runs them?
Each network has Clinical directors – ours are Dr Clements and Dr Davies – and a board made up of representatives from each practice.
NHS England gives each network funding based on the number of patients their member practices look after. The board and Clinical Director decide which services patients would most benefit from and recruit specialist staff to provide those services.
Are PCNs anything to do with privatisation?
No. They exist solely within the NHS. All network funding comes centrally from NHS England, and all PCN services are available to patients through their GP practice.
What does it mean for patients?
There is a broader range of specialist services that are now easily accessible through GP practices and tailored to the specific needs of the patients. It also means patients will get to the best person to help them sooner.
What does it mean for practices?
There are clear and consistent pathways for practices to refer patients to the specialist services that patients need.
How do I access PCN services?
The best route is through your GP practice. Depending on the service, a member of the admin or reception team may be able to refer you. For some services, it will require a Doctor to make a referral.
A member of PCN staff has contacted me; how can I verify their identity?
There is a list of our current staff in a previous answer in the FAQs. Team members will also be able to confirm information with you that your GP practice holds.
Do you have another question?
If you’d like to know something about PCNs or our team and services that we haven’t answered, then why not let us know?
Ask your question by completing our online form. We’ll publish our responses to your questions in the next month or so.