Primary Care Networks
We are delighted to advise that we are now working collaboratively with two other local GP Practices. The NHS never stands still – and this year has heralded a new idea in General Practice across England – something called Primary Care Networks (PCNs). Practices are required to collaborate in PCNs which cover between 30,000 and 50,000 patients. This is to allow sharing of ideas and resources.
We have formed HLH PCN, St Albans. This consists of the following three surgeries
HLH PCN came into existence officially on 1/7/19. At this stage, the Practice Managers and Doctors at the three surgeries are starting to meet together and work out our plans to collaborate. The first piece of work we are doing together is we now have a Patient Care Coordinator. Sandra Parsons is working across all three practices and going out to meet our most vulnerable housebound patients. She is identifying areas where there are health and social need and making sure that these people are getting all the support they and their carers need.
As time moves on, we shall be delivering other PCN-level services – such as employing a Clinical Pharmacist to work with patients and practices; delivering joint training to our teams across the three practices and working on specific nationally driven Quality Improvement areas (this year around End of Life care and certain Safer Prescribing initiatives).
Your own practice has opportunity for your own Patient Participation Group (PPG). If you are interested in getting involved in your own practice PPG or at a PCN level, please don’t hesitate your Practice Manager at your own surgery.