A Primary Care Network (PCN) is made up of multiple GP practices working together to serve a shared local population.
For our area this is Glossop PCN
How do GP Practices fit into the PCN?
By joining a PCN, your practice:
- Works collaboratively with other local surgeries
- PCN funding enables us to share additional staff across all Glossop practices so that we can provide a wider variation of clinical knowledge and availability
- We participate in joint planning and service delivery for certain community-wide projects where practices agree to work together to deliver services and share responsibilities across the network.
What does this mean for you as a patient?
Your GP practice is part of a wider team. This means:
- Practices work together locally
GP surgeries in your area collaborate to support a shared patient population. [england.nhs.uk] - More healthcare professionals are available
You may be offered care from a wider team, such as:
· Clinical pharmacists
· Physiotherapists
· Paramedics
· Mental health practitioners
· Social prescribing link workers [carelearning.org.uk]
- Better access to services
PCNs help provide more appointments, including Paramedics, Health & wellbeing Coach, Mental Health Practitioners and Social Prescribers. They also help us to provide some appointments outside normal surgery hours in the form of the Extended Access Service. - More joined‑up care
GP practices work closely with community services, hospitals, social care, and voluntary organisations to support your overall health. [england.nhs.uk]
Why were PCNs introduced?
Primary Care Networks were created by the NHS to:
- Improve access to care
- Provide more personalised support
- Help people with long‑term conditions
- Focus more on prevention and keeping patients well
- Make better use of shared staff and resources
What difference does a PCN make?
Being part of a PCN means:
- You can access a wider range of services closer to home
- Your care is better coordinated across different services
- The practice can offer more support for complex or long-term conditions
- There is a stronger focus on keeping you healthy, not just treating illness
In simple terms
A Primary Care Network is a team of local GP practices and healthcare professionals working together to provide better care for their community.