Primary Care Networks June 2019

What is a Primary Care Network (PCN)? A group of practices working together to provide some primary care services. Likely in the future to include organisations other than GP practices. District Nurses Social Care

Why are PCNs being formed? The intention behind establishing PCNs is to focus services around local communities, building on local GP practices to help rebuild and reconnect primary healthcare teams across the areas they cover through the network (BMA). As new services are introduced, they are increasingly likely to be funded through PCNs.

Do we have to join a PCN? Technically, no. But, all patients will be allocated to a PCN so they can receive the services provided by a PCN. If we didn’t join a PCN, then we would have no control over the provision of those services to our patients.

What are the rules about the make up of a PCN? Should be 30 000 to 50 000 patients per PCN (although the CCG will make exceptions if sensible). Should ideally consist of like minded practices that have chosen to work together. Should be sensible in terms of geography (single area when plotted on a map), although a geographical area could sit within more than 1 PCN. Should ideally sit within PLACE boundaries (our PLACE is North East Derbyshire & Bolsover).

What is our PCN? The following practices are part of the North East Derbyshire PCN: The Valleys Medical Partnership (Dronfield & Eckington) Killamarsh Medical Practice (Killamarsh) Barlborough Medical Practice (Barlborough & Renishaw) The Springs Medical Partnership (Clowne) Total population: 40 000

What about the other Dronfield practices? The 3 other Dronfield practices wanted to form a PCN including all Chesterfield practices and hand over all funding to allow a provider organisation in Chesterfield to arrange PCN funded services. We were not prepared to do this as we want to maintain a higher degree of control over the services provided to our patients. We were not prepared to form a PCN that spanned 2 PLACES as we feel this will complicate matters when arranging services provided by community and social care providers.

What about the other Eckington practice? The other Eckington practice that shares our car park was invited to join our PCN. Unfortunately, they chose to work with a neighbouring PCN, even though this could completely isolate their patients geographically.

Why has this been allowed by the CCG? The CCG preferred to allow practices to work in their chosen groupings as thy felt this would ensure they work together in the most constructive way. They have asked neighbouring PCNs to work together where required to ensure the best possible outcome for patients.

Will this adversely affect our patients registered at Gosforth Valley? No Many of the services funded through the PCN can be delivered equally effectively for all of our patients, no matter where they live. Where services need to be provided in the local community, our PCN has already committed to ensuring we provide services equitably in Dronfield. This will mean working with our neighbouring PCN with a view to ensuring our patients have access to the same services as patients registered with the other 3 Dronfield practices.

Which services will be funded through the PCN? Extended Hours (not to be confused with extended access) from July 2019. Likely that funding will be re-directed from the PCN back to individual practices so we can continue as currently. Extended Access from April 2020 (or April 2021). Likely that our 4 PCN practices will jointly offer the service. We will work with the other 3 Dronfield practices to ensure we have an effective extended access service based in Dronfield.

Which services will be funded through the PCN? At the moment, we are not aware that any of our other existing services will be funded through the PCN, although this could change. We therefore envisage that in the short term, patients will not experience any changes to existing services.

New Services 2019 2020 2021 Social Prescriber Pharmacist Works with patients to enable them to access non-clinical services that will make a positive contribution to their health. Pharmacist Specialist role to support work already carried out in practices by GPs. PCN meeting to define a role that will provide appropriate support for our practices. Both roles will be equivalent of 1 full time post across the PCN. 2020 Physiotherapists Physician Associates Resource working under the supervision of a GP to take medical histories, carry our physical examinations, make simple diagnoses, develop & deliver appropriate treatment & management plans. 2021 Paramedics

Primary Care Networks Any Questions?