Question 1

What is a  PCN – Primary Care Network?

Accepted Answer

At its core, a Primary Care Network (PCN) is simply a group of GP practices, along with other health and care providers, working together to deliver services that benefit their local community.

To help manage things behind the scenes, PCNs typically operate in one of four ways, though there can be some variations:

Lead Practice Model – One practice takes the lead on employment and financial management for the network.
Shared Employment Model – Each practice within the network takes responsibility for employing staff to support the overall network.
Commissioned Provider Model – A third-party provider (like a GP Federation or Community Trust) takes care of the financial management and employment aspects.
Legal Entity Model – The network forms its own legal entity, such as a Community Interest Company (CIC) or Limited Company, to manage the business side of things.

It’s important to note that PCNs themselves are not legal entities. They are simply a partnership of organisations coming together with a shared agreement to work collaboratively.

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Question 2

How is a Primary Care Network (PCN) structured?

Accepted Answer

A Primary Care Network (PCN) is essentially a group of local GP practices working together to offer more coordinated and comprehensive care to their communities. Each PCN is led by a Clinical Director (usually a GP), who helps guide the network in planning and delivering care.

The network brings together a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, nurses, care coordinators, social prescribers, and other specialists, all working together to meet the diverse needs of patients.

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Question 3

What are the key challenges faced by PCNs?

Accepted Answer

PCNs do face some challenges, like coordinating care across multiple practices, managing workload pressures, and making the best use of resources. But these challenges also bring opportunities to innovate and improve patient outcomes, by working together and sharing ideas that make a real difference.

Question 4

What support is available to help PCNs navigate funding applications?

Accepted Answer

Navigating funding applications can be tricky, but there’s plenty of support available to guide PCNs through the process. From expert advice and resources to workshops and tailored support, PCNs can access a range of tools to help them secure the funding they need. Local networks and organisations often offer practical assistance, ensuring that PCNs can make the most of available opportunities and get the best outcomes for their communities.

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Question 5

What are the long-term goals for PCNs in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

The long-term goal for PCNs is to build a healthcare system that’s more sustainable and efficient, with a strong focus on prevention, early intervention, and personalised care.
By providing more local, proactive care, PCNs aim to take some of the pressure off hospitals and urgent care services, ensuring patients get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

As they grow and evolve, PCNs will continue adapting to the needs of their local communities, always working to improve the quality of healthcare for everyone.

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Question 6

What is the  additional roles reimbursement scheme - ARRS?

Accepted Answer

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) is a funding initiative aimed at helping Primary Care Networks (PCNs) strengthen their workforce by covering the costs of employing specific roles. This scheme allows PCNs to bring in professionals who can meet a wide range of patient needs, ultimately enhancing service delivery and improving patient care.

The roles eligible for reimbursement under the ARRS include:
Clinical Pharmacists
Pharmacy Technicians
Social Prescribing Link Workers
Health and Wellbeing Coaches
Care Coordinators
Physician Associates
First Contact Physiotherapists
Dietitians
Podiatrists
Occupational Therapists
Nursing Associates
Community Paramedics
Advanced Practitioners
General Practice Assistants
Mental Health Practitioners (Adults and Children)
Digital and Transformation Leads
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioners
Speech and Language Therapists
Public Health Nurses
Trainee Nurse Associates
Other Allied Health Professionals

This scheme is a great opportunity for PCNs to expand their team with roles that support better care for patients and improve overall healthcare delivery.

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Question 7

What is the DES - Directed Enhanced Service ?

Accepted Answer

The Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service (DES) is a framework created by NHS England to help Primary Care Networks (PCNs) deliver a range of enhanced services to their communities. Launched in 2019, the DES sets out specific service requirements and entitlements to improve patient care and help integrate services across primary care.

Under the DES, PCNs provide services like:
Enhanced Access
Social Prescribing
Care Home Support
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Early Cancer Diagnosis
Tackling Neighbourhood Health Inequalities
Impact and Investment Fund
Recruitment and Retention Activities
Stakeholder Management
Capacity and Access Improvement

The DES is updated annually to reflect the changing priorities in healthcare and ensure PCNs are well-equipped to meet the needs of their communities. For example, the 2024/25 Network Contract DES introduced new requirements around modernising general practice and enhancing service delivery.

By taking part in the DES, PCNs get funding to support these enhanced services, which helps them invest in the resources, staff, and infrastructure needed to deliver better care and improve patient outcomes.

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Question 8

What is IIF -  Investment and Impact Fund?

Accepted Answer

The Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) is a key initiative introduced by NHS England to incentivise Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to deliver high-quality services to their local populations. The fund is designed to reward PCNs for achieving specific targets related to patient care and service delivery, particularly in areas such as population health, chronic disease management, and access to services.

The IIF aligns with the goals of the NHS Long Term Plan, focusing on improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system. By meeting these targets, PCNs are able to access funding, which can be used to support service improvement and the development of the network.

In short, the IIF provides financial incentives to PCNs for delivering on key performance areas, and its purpose is to drive improvements in patient care, health outcomes, and the overall functioning of primary care networks.

Question 9

What is QOF - Quality and Outcomes Framework ?

Accepted Answer

QOF (Quality and Outcomes Framework) is a system used by the NHS to assess and reward the quality of care provided by GP practices in England. Its main goal is to improve patient care by setting clear indicators that practices need to meet in areas like chronic disease management, preventative care, and patient satisfaction.

By tracking these indicators, QOF helps ensure that GP practices are delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across a range of important health areas.

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PRIMARY CARE NETWORK CONSULTANCY CALLS

Attendee

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​Session 1: 1st May - Understanding The Changing Environment

Session 2: 15th May - PCN Finance

Session 3: 5th June - HR Principles every PCN Manager should know

Session 4: 19th June - Influencing Change

Session 5: 3rd July - Governance

Session 6: 10th July - PCN Management Guide to use AI

Session 7: 24th July - Developing Integrated Services

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​​Further Details of each session

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Session 1: Understanding The Changing Environment

This session is focused on building a strong and supportive team dynamic, where responsibility and accountability are clearly defined.

The session will cover:

Building a coalition.

The five dysfunctions of a team, where we will explore how the following common issues occur and how to address them:​

Absence of trust.

Fear of conflict.

Lack of commitment.

Avoidance of team accountability.

Inattention to team objectives.

Building positive working relationships with PMs, Clinical Directors and other key roles and partners.

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3. The skills required, the challenges and opportunities for boundary-spanning roles.

Session 2: PCN Finance

Attendee

Complete this form for a place on the Primary Care Network Leadership and Management Development Programme

Frequently asked questions

What is a PCN – Primary Care Network?

How is a Primary Care Network (PCN) structured?

What are the key challenges faced by PCNs?

What support is available to help PCNs navigate funding applications?

What are the long-term goals for PCNs in healthcare?

What is the additional roles reimbursement scheme - ARRS?

What is the DES - Directed Enhanced Service ?

What is IIF - Investment and Impact Fund?

What is QOF - Quality and Outcomes Framework ?

OUR EXPERTISE

THC Primary Care also provide the following services

Interim Primary Care Network Management

Facilitation

Primary Care Network Members Club

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Session 1: 1st May - Understanding The Changing Environment

Further Details of each session

The five dysfunctions of a team, where we will explore how the following common issues occur and how to address them: