This month marks the one-year anniversary of primary care networks (PCNs) being established across England and, as outlined in a new PCN Network report published this month, this first year has presented a series of opportunities and challenges for PCNs.
The sense of excitement at creating something new with a real focus on supporting local communities and getting to grips with health inequalities has, very often, been overshadowed by contractual requirements and what has been perceived to be a ‘tick box’ exercise. With record investment in primary care over the course of the NHS Long Term Plan, some of this is inevitable but equally it risks eradicating enthusiasm from the leaders and innovators we are relying on to make PCNs a success.
To reflect on how much progress PCNs have made so far, look ahead to the next 12 months for networks and explore what additional support they may need, the PCN Network is convening an expert panel for a webinar on Wednesday 29 July 2020 between 12.30 and 13.30.
The webinar, which will include time for Q&A, will feature:
Chair
- Dr Graham Jackson, Senior Clinical Adviser, NHS Confederation
Panel
- Dr Raj Patel, Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England & Improvement
- Dr Krishna Kasareni, GPC Executive Team at the British Medical Association
- Dr Gary Howsam, Vice-chair of External Affairs at the Royal College of GPs
- Dr Crystal Oldman, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Nursing Institute
- Helen Kilminster, Member of the PCN Network Clinical Director Board and Clinical Director at the People’s Health Partnership PCN
Q&A panellists
- Ruth Rankine, PCN Network Director
- Louise Patten, Chief Executive of NHS Clinical Commissioners